The US codename for the coordinated military strikes against Iran that began on February 28, 2026. Operation Epic Fury represents the opening phase of direct US military action against Iranian military and nuclear facilities, authorized in response to Iranian attacks on US and allied positions.

The Israeli codename for coordinated military strikes against Iran executed in parallel with Operation Epic Fury beginning February 28, 2026. Israel's operation focused on Iranian military infrastructure, ballistic missile production facilities, and revolutionary guard installations across Iranian territory.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps — Iran's ideological and paramilitary military branch, distinct from the regular Iranian armed forces. The IRGC controls Iran's ballistic missile program, oversees proxy militia operations, and reports directly to the Supreme Leader. The organization is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States.

US Central Command — the regional military command responsible for US military operations in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Horn of Africa. CENTCOM coordinates all US military activity in the region and releases official casualty figures and battle damage assessments.

International Atomic Energy Agency — a UN-affiliated nuclear watchdog organization responsible for monitoring nuclear facilities worldwide and verifying compliance with nuclear non-proliferation treaties. The IAEA inspects Iranian nuclear sites and reports findings to the UN Security Council.

A narrow waterway between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the open Indian Ocean. Approximately 20% of global oil transits through the Strait of Hormuz annually, making it one of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints. Iran has threatened to blockade the Strait in response to military action.

A covert network of operatives placed within a target country or organization for extended periods in dormant status, ready to be activated for attacks or sabotage when directed. Sleeper cells are particularly associated with Iranian intelligence operations targeting Western nations and US military installations abroad.

National Terrorism Advisory System — the US Department of Homeland Security's public alert system that notifies Americans of credible, imminent terrorism threats. NTAS can issue elevated alerts during periods of heightened threat activity. The system replaced the previous color-coded alert system.

An Iran-backed Lebanese militant group and political party designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Israel, and other nations. Hezbollah operates as a state-within-a-state in Lebanon with military, political, and social service components. The organization receives substantial funding, training, and weapons from Iran and maintains close ties to the IRGC.

An Iran-backed Yemeni rebel group officially known as Ansar Allah that controls northern Yemen including the capital Sana'a. The Houthis have launched drone and missile attacks against Saudi Arabia and UAE targets and conduct attacks in the Red Sea shipping lanes. The group receives military training, weapons, and funding from Iran.

A guided weapon that follows a ballistic trajectory after powered flight ends, allowing it to strike targets at long range. Ballistic missiles typically travel into space and re-enter the atmosphere to reach their targets. Iran possesses a substantial ballistic missile arsenal including the Shahab series. Iran launched over 500 ballistic missiles against coalition targets on March 2, 2026.

Terminal High Altitude Area Defense — a US air defense system designed to detect, track, and destroy aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles at high altitudes. THAAD systems were deployed across the Middle East region to counter Iranian missile threats and intercept incoming ordnance.

Israel's air defense system designed to intercept and destroy aircraft, cruise missiles, and rockets at short and medium ranges. The Iron Dome is Israel's primary defense against missile and rocket attacks and was activated extensively during Iranian retaliation strikes to protect Israeli cities and military installations.

The process of increasing the concentration of uranium-235 in natural uranium. Uranium enriched to low levels (3-5%) is used as fuel for civilian nuclear reactors. Uranium enriched to high levels (85%+) is weapons-grade material usable in nuclear weapons. International agreements restrict uranium enrichment to prevent weapons development. Iran has pursued uranium enrichment programs that have reached near-weapons-grade levels.

An underground uranium enrichment facility located near the city of Qom, Iran. Fordow is partially buried inside a mountain for protection against air strikes and has been identified as a site for high-level uranium enrichment. The facility's existence was revealed to the IAEA in 2009 and has been subject to international inspections and sanctions.

Iran's primary uranium enrichment facility located in central Iran. Natanz hosts the largest concentration of centrifuges used for uranium enrichment and is considered the heart of Iran's civilian nuclear program. The facility was heavily damaged in Operation Epic Fury with CENTCOM assessing over 90% damage to operational capacity.

A conflict in which major world powers support third-party combatants rather than directly engaging in combat themselves. Proxy wars allow major powers to extend influence and compete for regional control while limiting direct military confrontation. The US-Israel-Iran conflict has proxy dimensions involving Hezbollah, Houthis, and various militias supported by Iran.

Open Source Intelligence — information gathered from publicly available sources including news reports, government statements, social media, satellite imagery, and official documents. OSINT does not require classified information access and is used by intelligence agencies, researchers, and journalists to build situational awareness and verify claims.