2026 Iran War

President Trump, en route to Texas, authorized Operation Epic Fury. Partner Israel prepared Operation Roaring Lion — the largest combat sortie in IAF history.

CENTCOM and partner forces began airstrikes ~06:35 UTC. Israel reported ~500 military targets and 1,200+ bombs in 24 hours. US Tomahawks, HIMARS, and standoff munitions employed. Iranian naval vessels targeted.

Multiple open sources report Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other top officials killed in the opening wave. Leadership succession and IRGC wartime control became central OSINT questions.

Open reporting: at least 170 killed when a primary school in Minab (Hormozgan) was hit on day one. High civilian harm event; widely cited in regional media.

After an Iranian strike on a container ship left a crew member missing, CENTCOM reported 140+ targets struck. Tehran claimed the strait closed until calm; Washington said it remained open.

U.S. Navy reimposed blockade measures on ships passing through Iranian ports as pressure campaign intensified following Hormuz attacks.

Strikes on a U.S. base in Jordan killed two American service members, further escalating the renewed hostilities phase.

Iranian officials announced suspension of commitments under the June memorandum of understanding as kinetic exchanges continued.

CENTCOM public release: completed another round of precision strikes against Iranian military capabilities (evening ET, Jul 20). Video of launch sequence released.

CENTCOM public messaging tracked nightly strike packages for nearly two weeks. By Jul 24–25, open sources noted no new overnight strike announcement after 13 consecutive nights. Estimated campaign cost cited ~$37.5B in prior reporting.

Sources to major media: IRGC seized full control of wartime decisions, sidelining political figures as figureheads amid internal rivalries. Raises risk of prolonged conflict. Trump claims strikes 'going well' in concurrent interviews.