The United States military has announced that it struck over 1,700 targets within Iran since the initiation of its military operation, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, on Sunday, February 28.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported a significant escalation, with approximately 700 additional targets hit since Sunday, bringing the total to over 1,700. This builds on the more than 1,000 targets already engaged during the operation’s initial phase. According to CENTCOM statements cited by CNN on Wednesday, March 4, the robust arsenal deployed included formidable B-1 bombers, long-range B-52 bombers, and advanced F-15 fighter jets, underscoring the scale of the ongoing offensive.
However, a concerning development emerged on Monday, as reports indicated that three U.S. F-15 fighter jets were inadvertently shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses. This incident marks an unfortunate turn amidst the broader military actions.
U.S. President Donald Trump Urges Iranians to Avoid Protests
In a separate but related development, U.S. President Donald Trump, during a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, issued a direct message to the citizens of Iran.
The President specifically requested that Iranians refrain from demonstrations, citing the continued aerial bombardments by the U.S. military during the ongoing operation. Trump stated unequivocally, “If you are going to go out and demonstrate, don’t do it yet. It’s very dangerous out there. A lot of bombs are being dropped.”
Iranian Citizens’ Activities Persist Amidst Crisis
Conversely, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian offered an update on the nation’s steadfast populace, now on the fourth day of the combined Israeli-American offensive. Despite the prevailing state of emergency, President Pezeshkian affirmed that daily life for citizens continues largely uninterrupted.
He remarked, “We have communicated with the governors; the situation is indeed different from usual, but the people’s activities have not stopped. Across the country, activities continue.” Furthermore, essential public needs are being meticulously coordinated with regional governors, ensuring that vital inter-provincial distribution networks remain operational.
Summary
The U.S. military announced it has struck over 1,700 targets within Iran since launching “Operation Epic Fury” on February 28. U.S. Central Command reported approximately 700 additional targets were hit since Sunday, utilizing B-1, B-52, and F-15 jets. Amidst these actions, three U.S. F-15 fighter jets were unfortunately shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses on Monday.
In a separate development, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iranian citizens to refrain from demonstrations due to the ongoing aerial bombardments, citing dangerous conditions. Conversely, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed that despite the combined Israeli-American offensive, daily life and essential activities for the populace continue largely uninterrupted nationwide.