Operation Epic Fury: U.S. Attack in Iran and Retaliation Against Aircraft Carrier

The conflict in the Middle East has taken an extremely dangerous turn following the direct involvement of U.S. armed forces in an operation codenamed "Epic Fury." Initial reports confirm three deaths and five injuries on the Iranian side. Tehran's response was immediate; the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced it had successfully attacked the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln stationed in the Persian Gulf. While the extent of damage to the vessel has not yet been verified by independent sources, the mere declaration of a strike on a symbol of American naval power represents an unprecedented escalation of war rhetoric in the region. Concurrently, Iran is preparing for political changes; minister Abbas Araghchi announced that a new Supreme Leader will be appointed within the next 48 hours. The military escalation has triggered logistical chaos on a global scale. European aviation safety agencies have recommended a complete suspension of flights over the Middle East at least until March 2, leading to thousands of passengers being stranded at airports. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the establishment of a special "Task Force Golfo" unit to provide assistance to Italian citizens. The situation became particularly difficult in Dubai after Oman decided to close its land borders, cutting off one evacuation route. At the center of controversy in Rome is Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, who was in the United Arab Emirates. The politician announced he is returning to Italy alone on a chartered military aircraft, declaring he will cover the high flight costs out of his own pocket to avoid accusations of abuse. The Persian Gulf has been the most volatile point in global energy trade for decades, with the U.S. Fifth Fleet stationed there tasked with ensuring the free flow of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's oil consumption passes.International reactions are divided. While the leader of the Italian opposition, Elly Schlein, warns of irreversible damage resulting from the government's subservience to Washington's policy, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini openly supported the intervention in Iran. Pope Leo XIV also spoke out, appealing for an immediate halt to the spiral of violence and a return to diplomatic tools. Meanwhile, anxiety has gripped commodity markets, despite OPEC+ countries declaring increased production to stabilize oil prices. However, the German Bundestag warns that the conflict could spill over into Europe in the form of Iranian retaliatory attacks on strategic targets on the continent.