President Donald Trump confirmed in an 8-minute Truth Social video that the U.S. took part in a “major combat operation” in Iran that has since been named “Operation Epic Fury” by the Pentagon.
The military operation, which comes after recent nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran proved unsuccessful, saw some of its first strikes against Iran strike near the offices of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has issued remarks, warning that Iran “will not hesitate” with its response. Counterattacks have been reported across the Middle East, with reports indicating airstrike in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
Iranian media has reported that at least 40 people were killed at a girls’ school in southern Iran, and that another 45 individuals were injured in Iran’s Hormozgan.
WTOP national security correspondent J.J. Green joined Ian Crawford earlier to discuss why the airstrikes happened, what the public can expect, and what may be the American cost.
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.