US Expands Offensive Against Iran

Operation Epic Fury targets Iranian military bases as Tehran claims strikes on US carrier

March 7, 2026: The conflict in the Middle East continues to intensify as the United States expanded its military campaign against Iran under Operation Epic Fury. On the seventh day of the operation, US forces claimed to have struck several key Iranian military installations, including army headquarters, naval warships, submarines and command-and-control centres. The strikes are part of a broader strategy aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities amid the escalating regional conflict.

The US military has deployed a range of advanced weapons systems in the campaign. These include aircraft such as the B-1B Lancer, B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and MQ-9 Reaper drones, along with fighter jets including the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Super Hornet, F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. Strategic aircraft such as the C-17 Globemaster III and C-130J Super Hercules are also supporting operations by transporting troops and equipment.

Meanwhile, Iran has claimed it launched missile and drone strikes on the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and released video footage allegedly showing an anti-ship missile hitting its target. Iranian media also published clips of drone attacks on American positions and a strike on Sdot Micha Airbase in Israel. However, US officials have not confirmed the extent of damage claimed by Tehran.