On February 28th, 2026, the United States launched Operation Epic Fury — claimed by President Donald J. Trump: “[for the purpose of] dismantling the regime’s ability to threaten America or project power outside their borders.” More specifically, throughout the ongoing conflict, the US has launched missile attacks on Iranian integrated air defense systems, ballistic missile sights, uranium enrichment facilities, and former Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei, in order to suppress the potential development of the Iranian nuclear program. Undoubtedly, the unregulated acquisition of nuclear weapons and the development of uranium enrichment facilities pose a significant threat to global security in any circumstance. And so, international organizations, notably the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), have established suitable restrictions regarding non-proliferation agreements.
What was the US-Iran relationship like before the conflict? Additionally, it is important to consider the relevance of the US’s previous diplomatic efforts prior to Operation Epic Fury, as well as the structure of the conflict’s onset on February 28th — after Iran’s advanced uranium enrichment operations were uncovered in 2005, and found to violate the IAEA’s nuclear non-proliferation agreements, the United Nations Security Council imposed heavy economic sanctions on Iran until their compliance with international standards. Despite the lifting of the sanctions in 2016, Iran’s failure to document its nuclear facilities once again violated the non-proliferation agreements of the IAEA — leading to the 12 Day War in 2025. Although diplomatic efforts have been attempted in the context of the Iranian nuclear program, they have failed to adequately prevent its unregulated advancements.
How is the war impacting the US? The initiation and continuation of US military involvement in Iran have deeply harmed US domestic economic security, yielding a cascade of negative effects across the Middle East; nevertheless, the elimination of the Iranian nuclear program is necessary to uphold international security.
How is the war impacting Iran — people as well as regime? Firstly, the ongoing conflict has led to increasing suppression of speech and expression within Iran — not only have a great number of people, members of religious minorities and political activists been arrested, but a significant number of US citizens traveling to Iran have been taken into custody.
OPINION – What should the US do next? Moving forward, it is necessary for the combined powers of the US and Israel to engage in either an advanced military operation or diplomatic talks to release these groups from custody, to uphold the ethical standards both countries are founded upon. Furthermore, the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of the world’s oil travels, has led to an economic crisis in the oil and gas sector. Specifically, an estimated number of around 12 sea mines were planted within the Strait — on account of these mines, brief Iranian naval occupation, and oil distribution companies not willing to undergo the financial risk of passing through, the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed throughout this conflict. And so, median gas prices across the US have increased dramatically, reaching levels similar to those during the 2022 crisis. Moving forward, a main focus of the US’s policy in this conflict must be the opening of this strait. Undoubtedly, the needs of the US consumer should take priority over international intervention in the development of the Iranian nuclear program. In conclusion, despite the necessity for the maintenance of international security and the potential risk the Iranian nuclear facilities may pose to the world, it is necessary for the US to principally uphold its obligations as a nation believing in the protection of its citizens, through two facets: 1) deploying all efforts in restoring economic stability; 2) ensuring the safety of abroad US’s citizens. While the initiation and continuation of the Iranian conflict is undoubtedly justified, it is important for the US to move forward with a greater focus on protecting its domestic interests.