In a late-night address, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the commencement of substantial military operations against Iran, explicitly aimed at dismantling the Iranian regime. He called for the Iranian populace to rise up and seize control, framing the intervention as a necessary response to Iran's ongoing attempts to revive its nuclear program and enhance its long-range missile capabilities, which could potentially reach U.S. territory. Trump did not provide specific timelines or details on the scope of what he termed 'Operation Epic Fury'.

In reaction to the U.S. strikes, Iran's Revolutionary Guard confirmed that it has conducted attacks on U.S. military bases located in Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, describing these actions as retaliation for the American and Israeli bombings. This escalation represents a significant increase in hostilities in the region and raises the stakes for further military engagements between the involved parties.

The implications of these developments could reverberate widely, altering geopolitical dynamics and potentially leading to a broader conflict. As tensions rise, the international community will be closely monitoring the situation, particularly the responses from Iran and the implications for U.S. interests in the Middle East. The situation remains fluid, necessitating prompt and careful diplomatic strategies to mitigate further escalation and foster regional stability.