Iran Strikes Fizzle: 90% Attack Reduction

Silhouette of missiles against a colorful sunset with birds flying

President Trump’s bold U.S.-Israel strikes have obliterated over 300 Iranian missile launchers, decisively crippling Tehran’s terror machine and protecting American interests from radical aggression.

Story Highlights

U.S. and Israel destroy >300 ballistic missile launchers and >200 air-defense systems in joint Operation Epic Fury, slashing Iranian attacks by 90%.
President Trump authorizes campaign on February 28, 2026, targeting missile production, naval forces, and nuclear sites to prevent regime rebuilding.
IDF executes 12 waves of strikes by March 5, hitting over 600 targets; U.S. systematically dismantles Iran’s industrial base.
Iranian retaliation kills 11 Israelis, injures over 1,000; attacks on 14 U.S. bases down sharply thanks to conserved interceptors.
Trump urges Iranian uprising, signals no invasion but aims to influence leadership change amid weakened IRGC capabilities.

Operation Launch and Strategic Objectives

On February 28, 2026, President Donald Trump announced U.S. strikes alongside Israel, initiating Operation Epic Fury against Iran’s ballistic missile infrastructure. Forces targeted launchers, production facilities, air defenses, naval assets, and nuclear-related sites across western Iran, central regions, and Tehran. The operation seeks to deplete Iran’s launch capacity before U.S. and Israeli interceptors run low, safeguarding bases and allies from barrages. This preemptive action counters Tehran’s power projection and blocks nuclear weapon development, fulfilling Trump’s commitment to American security.

Massive Strike Waves Destroy Key Assets

Between March 2-3, the IDF struck over 600 targets using 2,500 munitions, destroying more than 150 ballistic missiles, 200 air-defense systems, and around 300 launchers. U.S. forces hit mobile launchers and production infrastructure while Iran launched about 35 missiles at Israel and attacked 14 U.S. bases. By March 5, the IDF’s 12th wave targeted Tehran command centers and additional missile systems, exceeding 300 launchers destroyed overall. These precision operations span from Gulf states to Tehran, disrupting the regime’s offensive arsenal.

Leadership Directs Tempo of Victory

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth oversees the campaign’s pace, stating it will continue “as long as it takes” with U.S. munitions fully stocked. CENTCOM chief Adm. Brad Cooper reports Iranian missile attacks down 90% and drones by 83%, emphasizing efforts to raze the ballistic missile industrial base. President Trump authorizes operations with “ironclad will,” urging Iranians to rise against their oppressors while clarifying no ground invasion planned. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stresses missile degradation to protect civilians from further assaults.

IRGC commander Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi Ali Abadi vows retaliation despite losses, as Iranian barrages dwindle. On March 3, Iran fired at least six salvos at Israel, including cluster munitions injuring 12 near Tel Aviv; total casualties stand at 11 dead and over 1,000 injured since the campaign began. U.S. aircrews faced incidents with three F-15s downed but crews safe, highlighting risks in conserving defenses against the Axis of Resistance.

Lasting Impact on Regional Threats

Short-term, reduced launches preserve U.S. and Israeli interceptors, suppressing Iran’s lingering capabilities. Long-term, dismantled production facilities hinder regime rebuilding and limit proxy support to groups like Hezbollah. Economic disruptions hit Iranian industry, forcing evacuations near sites, while political pressure mounts for destabilization. Gulf civilians face stray strikes near Dubai, but overall, the campaign weakens Tehran’s projection power. Experts at ISW and Long War Journal affirm efficacy in eliminating launchers before interceptor depletion, favoring U.S.-Israel in this high-stakes race.