President Trump cites Iran’s nuclear and missile threats as US forces continue operations, despite accidental shootdown of F-15Es by Kuwaiti air defenses
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump announced that Operation Epic Fury, the US military campaign targeting Iran, will last five weeks, slightly longer than the originally projected four-week timeline. Speaking from the White House East Room, Trump described the operation as “progressing ahead of schedule” but offered no operational specifics.
“The goal is to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and to curb its long-range ballistic missile capabilities,” Trump said, citing Tehran’s advancing nuclear program and missile development. Iran has repeatedly denied pursuing nuclear weapons.
Trump reported that US forces had “knocked out” 10 Iranian ships to date, expressing confidence in the mission’s progress.
The announcement comes amid escalating regional tensions. US Central Command confirmed a “friendly fire” incident in Kuwait, where air defenses mistakenly downed three US F-15E fighter jets. All six crew members ejected safely and are in stable condition. Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence reported no fatalities.
Meanwhile, Iran launched new missile attacks on Israel, wounding at least seven and causing property damage in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the West Bank. Gulf states, including Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE, also reported missile incidents, triggering air raid sirens. Debris from a missile strike lightly injured two workers at Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi oil refinery.
Iran’s National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani dismissed reports of potential US-Iran negotiations via Oman, signaling continued standoff.
Trump’s announcement highlights US determination to maintain pressure on Iran, even as the Middle East conflict grows increasingly volatile.
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