Trump Declares Iran Talks Failed; Pentagon Names Assault 'Operation Epic Fury'

The Pentagon has formally christened the United States’ military offensive against Iran “Operation Epic Fury,” marking the official designation of what the U.S. government describes as a significant escalation in its campaign following coordinated strikes with Israel on Iranian targets. The name was announced via official social media channels and reflects a pattern of distinctive codenames used by the current administration for major combat operations.

The announcement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump defended the shift from diplomacy toward military action, describing recent talks with Tehran as “unproductive” and asserting that efforts to negotiate an agreement had repeatedly failed. In remarks posted online, Trump said Iran sought negotiations primarily to “practice evil,” adding that his administration’s patience had been exhausted by protracted discussions that yielded no concrete commitments from Tehran to relinquish its nuclear ambitions.

Trump reiterated that Iran had “rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions,” a claim underscoring U.S. frustration with stalled diplomatic efforts to curb Tehran’s nuclear and missile programmes. He said the military strikes — launched jointly with Israel under both U.S. and Israeli operation names — aim to dismantle Iran’s ability to launch terror attacks, destroy its ballistic missile capabilities and halt further progress in its nuclear development.

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The decision to name the offensive “Epic Fury” aligns with a series of code names used by the U.S. administration for high-profile military actions. Last year’s strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure were dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” while an operation earlier in 2026 targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was labeled “Operation Absolute Resolve.” These names are intended to encapsulate strategic intent and messaging around each mission’s scope and objectives.

Meanwhile, Israel has given its role in the campaign a separate designation, calling its portion of the joint action “Operation Lion’s Roar.” The dual nomenclature highlights the distinct national narratives and strategic framing each ally brings to the conflict, even as their forces operate in coordination. Israeli leaders have emphasized that their mission targets what they describe as an “existential threat” posed by Tehran’s military and nuclear infrastructure.

Trump’s public statements also framed the offensive as a response to what he characterized as “imminent threats” from Iran, a stance that helped justify the shift from negotiations to military action. Critics and international observers, however, caution that such framing could further complicate diplomatic prospects and risk a broader regional escalation. As Operation Epic Fury unfolds, world leaders are watching closely for both the immediate military effects and its longer-term implications for Middle East stability.

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