Massive Israeli and US Strike on Iran: Operation 'Epic Fury' and Fighting in Lebanon

The conflict between Israel and Iran has entered a phase of open war after joint Israeli-American forces initiated Operation 'Epic Fury'. Decapitation operation targeting the highest authorities in Tehran led to the destruction of key military infrastructure, including airbases housing F-4 and F-5 fighter jets. While initial reports suggested strikes on over a thousand targets, official Pentagon statements specify that attacks were concentrated on dozens of the highest strategic importance objects, including the headquarters of the Iranian regime, which was reduced to rubble. In Tehran itself, massive panic erupted; plumes of smoke rise over the city center, and residents are attempting to leave the capital en masse, claiming nowhere is safe anymore. Tensions in Iranian-Israeli relations have been rising since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, but a direct strike on Iranian territory and the elimination of its command are unprecedented events that could completely alter the balance of power in the Middle East. Parallel to the actions deep inside Iran, the Israeli army (IDF) announced the start of massive strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Shifting the weight of military operations to the northern front aims to destroy this organization's rocket arsenal, which, according to intelligence, was preparing for a massive retaliation for the attacks on Iran. The situation in Israel also remains tense; fearing an Iranian response, authorities decided to close schools and impose strict bans on public gatherings. Residents of Tel Aviv describe living in constant fear, spending most of their time in shelters awaiting alarm sirens warning of incoming missiles. „This is the largest operation in Israel's history. We must end this threat once and for all.” — Donald Trump Tehran's response was immediate, though its scale is still under analysis. Iran fired missiles towards Israel and attacked US bases in Erbil. Reports also emerged about the possible death of the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, causing additional chaos within the power structures. The international community is watching the escalation with concern, which goes beyond the framework of the previous 'shadow war'. While pro-Israeli media emphasize the necessity of eliminating the Iranian nuclear and terrorist threat, left-leaning outlets warn of a humanitarian catastrophe in Lebanon and Iran, where civilians have become hostages of grand geopolitics.