On February 28, 2026, President Trump launched “Operation Epic Fury,” a massive joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran — the largest American military action in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Trump launched it without seeking or receiving authorization from Congress, as required by the Constitution.
Strikes targeted 24 Iranian provinces using Tomahawk cruise missiles and F-35, F-22, and F-16 fighter jets. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, was killed along with other senior Iranian leaders. At least 201 people were killed according to Iran's Red Crescent. Israel launched a parallel operation dubbed “Roar of the Lion.”
During the strikes, a US-Israeli airstrike hit the Shajareh Tayebeh primary school in Minab, Iran, while students were inside. More than 150 people were killed, including 120 schoolchildren, according to the local prosecutor's final toll of 156. Satellite imagery, expert analysis, and a Washington Post investigation found evidence strongly suggesting a US precision airstrike — multiple 2,000-pound munitions struck within the school compound with no damage to surrounding buildings, indicating targeted rather than accidental fire. The school had been separated from a former military compound by a wall years earlier. Secretary of State Rubio said the US “would not deliberately target a school” and the Pentagon said it was “investigating.” Israel denied involvement. UNESCO called it “a grave violation of humanitarian law.” The strike became the defining image of the operation internationally.
Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes targeting US military bases and allied nations across the Persian Gulf — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait — drawing five additional countries into a conflict they did not choose. American service members across the entire region were put at risk.
Sen. Tim Kaine called it “an illegal war,” stating the Constitution requires Congressional authorization. Even Republican Rep. Thomas Massie condemned the strikes as “acts of war unauthorized by Congress.” Bipartisan war powers resolutions were introduced in both chambers. On March 4-5, 2026, both the Senate and House narrowly rejected war powers resolutions along mostly party lines (House: 219-212), with Congress effectively abdicating its constitutional war power. Rep. Gregory Meeks said, “Donald Trump is not a king.” Iran's death toll surpassed 1,200. Trump then told Axios he “must be involved” in choosing Iran's next Supreme Leader, calling Khamenei's son “unacceptable” — asserting the right to choose the leader of a sovereign nation the US just bombed.
By the fourth week, the war had spiraled beyond any stated objective. On March 21, Iran struck the Israeli cities of Arad and Dimona with ballistic missiles, wounding over 180 people — the first time Iranian missiles penetrated Israeli air defenses near the Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center. Trump responded by posting a 48-hour ultimatum on Truth Social: “If Iran doesn't FULLY OPEN the Strait of Hormuz within 48 HOURS, the United States will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” Iran's Revolutionary Guards threatened to completely shut the Strait if power plants were hit. Oil prices had surged 48% to $108/barrel. On Monday March 23, Trump backed down, postponing strikes for five days — retreating from his own ultimatum.
On March 23, Trump claimed “no one anticipated that Iran would attack other countries in an effort to widen the war” — a claim that was, as the New Republic noted, “widely expected” by foreign policy experts and intelligence officials. Trump then announced he was postponing his 48-hour ultimatum to “obliterate” Iran's power plants, citing “very strong talks.” Iran's foreign ministry denied any negotiations were taking place, calling Trump's comments “efforts to reduce energy prices.”
Correction (September 17, 2026): an earlier version of this entry described the Minab school as a girls' school. A UN fact-finding mission describes it as a primary school for girls and boys aged 6 to 13 and cites a final local toll of 156, including 120 schoolchildren.
Related entries: Trump Gives Iran 48-Hour Ultimatum: 'Obliterate' Their Power Plants If Strait of Hormuz Doesn't Open, Trump Says He 'Must Be Involved' in Choosing Iran's Next Supreme Leader, Calls Khamenei's Son 'Unacceptable', Trump Denies Bombing an Iranian Elementary School Where More Than 150 People Were Killed, Calling Reports 'Fake News' Despite Satellite Evidence.