US Prepares for Prolonged Air Campaign Against Iran, Security Expert Predicts

The United States has launched what it describes as “major combat operations” targeting Iran, with military experts predicting that the campaign, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, could last for weeks. The operations began on Saturday following a substantial build-up of US military assets in West Asia.

In the weeks leading up to the operation, the United States deployed a wide array of forces, including aircraft carriers, fighter jets, and other strategic assets, signaling the scale and seriousness of the planned campaign. Officials have not disclosed the full scope of the operation but have emphasized its intent to target Iranian military and strategic infrastructure.

Robert Pape, a security expert at the University of Chicago and founding director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats, noted that the magnitude of the deployment indicates preparations for more than a brief strike. “The scale of the build-up suggests preparations for more than a short, one-day operation,” he said.

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Pape further argued that the operation could evolve into a weeks-long air campaign designed to apply sustained pressure on the Iranian regime. Analysts warn that prolonged military action could significantly escalate tensions in the Middle East, potentially drawing in regional actors and affecting global energy markets.

While the United States has framed the campaign as a necessary response to recent Iranian missile attacks and security threats, international observers have expressed concern over the humanitarian and diplomatic consequences of extended hostilities. Calls for restraint and dialogue have intensified as neighboring countries brace for potential fallout.

As Operation Epic Fury unfolds, military analysts and political leaders are monitoring developments closely. The coming days will likely determine whether the campaign achieves its stated objectives or triggers a broader regional escalation, underscoring the high stakes of the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran.

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