Washington, DC — U.S. Central Command announced that American forces dramatically intensified operations this week, saying they struck more than 3,000 targets inside Iran during the first week of what it calls “Operation Epic Fury.” In a post on X, CENTCOM stated, “U.S. forces have struck over 3,000 targets in the first week of Operation Epic Fury, and we are not slowing down.”
The announcement comes amid heightened regional turmoil following reports that a joint U.S.-Israel strike on February 28 killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures. Those reports prompted robust responses from Iran, which launched waves of drone and missile strikes across several Arab countries, including attacks on U.S. military bases and Israeli interests. Israel has continued operations against Iranian targets and expanded strikes into Lebanon against Hezbollah.
Former President Donald Trump weighed in publicly, saying there will be “no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender” and that Tehran must “capitulate” before any diplomatic talks. On Truth Social he stated the U.S. and its allies — particularly Israel — would only consider agreements after Iran’s current leadership is replaced by “great & acceptable leader(s).” He also said the U.S. and partners would help rebuild Iran economically afterwards, using the slogan “MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!).”
Trump told Axios he wants a role in influencing who succeeds Khamenei, saying Washington should not accept a successor who continues the late leader’s policies. He specifically criticized reports naming Mojtaba Khamenei, calling him “unacceptable” and a “lightweight.”
Iranian officials have denied media speculation about likely successors. The Consulate General in Mumbai said reports on potential candidates have no official source and were formally denied. Axios reports the U.S. president remains firm that Washington should reject any new Iranian leader who would pursue policies similar to the late Khamenei.
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