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The Wall Street Journal reports that U.S. president Trump launched Operation Epic Fury in February despite warnings from U.S. vice president JD Vance and then-intelligence director
Developing
In Short: US President Trump initiated Operation Epic Fury against Iran in February 2026, despite warnings from his intelligence chief and vice president that it could lead to a global energy crisis and a more hard-line Iranian leadership.
US President Donald Trump launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran in February 2026, despite explicit warnings from his intelligence chief, vice president, and senior military advisers. The Wall Street Journal reported that these officials warned of potential global energy crises and a more hard-line Iranian leadership following the conflict.
According to sources familiar with pre-war meetings, then-Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard informed Trump that killing Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, would likely usher in a more hard-line successor and force the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil and gas trade.
Trump was initially pleased with the start of the war and celebrated it at a Mar-a-Lago fundraiser, puffing out his chest when informed of Khamenei's death.
Internal polling showed that nearly 80% of Americans favored an agreement to end the war, prompting Trump to pursue a June interim truce.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- Trump monitors U.S. military operations in Iran: Operation Epic Fury, February 28, 2026. [White House X Account – Anadolu Agency] US President Donald Trump launched the February offensive against Iran despite…
- According to people familiar with pre-war meetings, then-Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told Trump that killing Iran’s supreme leader would likely “usher in a more hard-line” successor and force the…
- READ: Qatar says new US sanctions on Iran ‘unilateral’ The report said Trump was initially pleased with the start of the war and “puffed out his chest” at a Mar-a-Lago fundraiser when informed of the killing of…
- Internal polling showed nearly 80% of Americans favored an agreement to end the war, prompting Trump to pursue the June interim truce.
Sources
- Middleeastmonitorlink