Washington, DC [US], March 7 (ANI): US Central Command said it dramatically intensified its campaign this week, striking more than 3,000 targets inside Iran in the first week of the operation it calls “Operation Epic Fury.”
In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said, “U.S. forces have struck over 3,000 targets in the first week of Operation Epic Fury, and we are not slowing down.”
President Donald Trump on Friday declared there would be “no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender,” saying Tehran must capitulate before any diplomatic talks. On Truth Social, he said the US and its allies, particularly Israel, would only consider an agreement after Iran’s leadership yields and is replaced by “great & acceptable leader(s).” He added that, afterward, the US and partners would help rebuild Iran economically, using the slogan “MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!).”
These developments follow a week of extreme volatility after a joint US-Israel strike on February 28 reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures, which prompted a fierce Iranian response. Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting US military bases and Israeli assets. Israel has continued strikes on Iran and expanded operations into Lebanon against Hezbollah.
Trump also said he wants to be involved in selecting Iran’s next Supreme Leader. In an interview with Axios, he compared his desired role to his involvement in Venezuela, saying he would oppose a succession that continues Khamenei’s policies. He specifically criticized reports that Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s son, is a leading contender, calling him “unacceptable” and a “lightweight.”
Iranian authorities have denied reports about potential successors. The Consulate General in Mumbai said reports on likely candidates have no official source and are officially denied.
According to Axios, the US President remains firm that Washington should not accept a new Iranian leader who would pursue policies similar to the late Khamenei. (ANI)
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