Operation Epic Fury: US and Israel Launch Decapitation Strikes to Force Regime Change in Tehran

US and Israel target regime change in Iran. Operation Epic Fury kills Supreme Leader Khamenei as regional retaliation hits UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 2, 2026, 8:54 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Straits Times

A Shift from Sabotage to Decapitation

The coordinated assault that began in the early hours of February 28 represents a radical departure from previous military engagements, such as the 2025 "Operation Midnight Hammer" which focused solely on nuclear facilities. This campaign, explicitly greenlit by President Donald Trump after the collapse of diplomatic negotiations in Geneva, has the stated objective of "toppling the regime." While the United States has focused its firepower on pulverizing Iran’s missile industry, naval assets, and nuclear infrastructure, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have executed "Operation Genesis" a massive decapitation strike aimed at the heart of Tehran’s leadership.

The Daylight Strategy and Leadership Losses

In a break from traditional nighttime bombardment, the initial strikes hit Tehran at 9:15 AM local time, a tactical choice designed to catch senior officials in their offices. The result was catastrophic for the Iranian government: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed when his compound in the Pasteur district was reduced to ash. Other high-profile casualties reportedly include Defense Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani, IRGC Commander Mohammad Pakpour, and Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh. Satellite imagery has confirmed the total destruction of the Supreme Leader’s residence, the presidential palace, and the National Security Council headquarters.

Retaliation Ignites the Arabian Peninsula

Iran’s response was immediate and widespread, activating its "retaliation playbook" within hours of the first explosions. Ballistic missiles and Shahed drones were launched not only at Israel but at every Gulf state hosting U.S. military facilities. Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and the UAE all reported incoming fire. In a significant escalation of regional tensions, the headquarters of the U.S. 5th Fleet in Bahrain was struck, and the port of Jebel Ali in Dubai faced maritime disruption. This indiscriminate response has effectively punished Gulf monarchies for their security partnerships with Washington, despite their efforts to remain neutral.