What They’re Saying About Operation Epic Fury—March 2, 2026
U.S.
Trump Says Iran Strikes Were “Last Best Chance” to Take Out Missiles, Nuclear Threat | CBS News
“This was our last best chance to strike, what we’re doing right now, and eliminate the intolerable threats posed by this sick and sinister regime,” [Trump said] . . . “We’re already substantially ahead of our time projections, but whatever the time is, it's OK. Whatever it takes, we will always, and we have right from the beginning, we projected four to five weeks. But we have capability to go far longer than that. We'll do whatever. Somebody said today, they said, ‘Oh well, the president wants to do it really quickly. After that, he'll get bored.’ I don't get bored. There’s nothing boring about this.”
Trump Says War Could Last Weeks and Offers Contradictory Visions of New Regime | New York Times
“Asked how long the United States and Israel could keep up this level of attacks, [President Trump] responded: ‘Well, we intended four to five weeks.’ . . . When pressed on his plans for a transition of power, Mr. Trump said he hoped Iran’s elite military forces . . . would simply turn over their weapons to the Iranian populace. ‘They would really surrender to the people, if you think about it,’ he said.”
“I don’t have the yips with respect to boots on the ground—like every president says, ‘There will be no boots on the ground.’ I don’t say it. I say ‘probably don’t need them,’ [or] ‘if they were necessary.’”
“‘This is not Iraq. This is not endless,’ [Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth] said. ‘I was there for both. Our generation knows better, and so does this president. He called the last 20 years of nation-building wars dumb, and he’s right. This is the opposite.’ Hegseth emphasized that the initial goals of Operation Epic Fury were threefold: “Destroy the missile threat [from Iran], destroy the [Iranian] navy, no nukes.” ‘This is not a so-called ‘regime change war,’’ he added, ‘but the regime sure did change, and the world is better off for it.’”
Post by U.S. Central Command | X
“Two days ago, the Iranian regime had 11 ships in the Gulf of Oman, today they have ZERO. The Iranian regime has harassed and attacked international shipping in the Gulf of Oman for decades. Those days are over. Freedom of maritime navigation has underpinned American and global economic prosperity for more than 80 years. U.S. forces will continue to defend it.”
Post by U.S. Central Command | X
“🚫The Iranian regime’s false messaging machine continues to falsely claim that it has sunk a U.S. aircraft carrier. ✅The TRUTH: The only carrier that has been hit is the Shahid Bagheri, an Iranian drone carrier. U.S. forces struck the ship within hours of launching Operation Epic Fury.”
Press Release by U.S. Central Command | CENTCOM Website
“At 11:03 p.m. ET, March 1, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident. During active combat—that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the U.S. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses. All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition.”
Post by House Speaker Mike Johnson | X
“For nearly five decades, the Iranian regime has undermined our core national interests, destabilized the Middle East, and threatened the security of the United States and our allies across the West. In defense of America’s safety and interests, the US took decisive action—demonstrating that long-term peace will ultimately be preserved through strength.”
Post by Senate Majority Leader John Thune | X
“For decades, Iran has fomented terror throughout the Middle East, endangering U.S. service members, U.S. citizens, and government personnel in the region, and many of our allies. My prayers are for the success of this mission, for the freedom of the Iranian people, and above all, for the safety of U.S. personnel in harm’s way.”
Post by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries | X
“Donald Trump and Republican extremists are willing to spend billions to bomb Iran. They have done nothing to bring down grocery prices or the high cost of living. Congress must pass our War Powers resolution requiring Trump’s illegal regime change war to end. Immediately.”
ISRAEL
Post by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu | X
“The Tehran terror regime fires on civilians, and we fire on the Tehran terror regime to protect civilians. We embarked on this campaign to remove existential threats and to create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to cast off the yoke of tyranny. That day is near—and when it arrives, Israel and the United States will be there.”
IRAN
Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, member of Iran’s interim Leadership Council: “Once again, the United States and the Zionist regime have based an improper, incorrect, and unjust action on a mistaken calculation—and, God willing, this calculation too will prove to be wrong . . . This council, through regular meetings and with the necessary diligence, will carry out the duties entrusted to it. I assure all our armed forces and our great and noble nation that all branches of the state are at your service.
Post by Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council | X
“We will not negotiate with the United States.”
Post by Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council | X
“TRUMP HAS BETRAYED ‘AMERICA FIRST’ TO ADOPT ‘ISRAEL FIRST.’”
Post by Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council | X
“Iran, unlike the United States, has prepared itself for a long war.”
“Deputy Secretary of #Iran’s SNSC Ali Bagheri: US committed the greatest crime in history by assassinating Iranian Leader. It also targeted negotiating table. If they speak of negotiations, it's a deception and aimed at making Iran surrender. We are determined for a long-term war.”
Post by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi | X
“These are graves being dug for more than 160 innocent young girls who were killed in the US-Israeli bombing of a primary school. Their bodies were torn to shreds. This is how ‘rescue’ promised by Mr. Trump looks in reality. From Gaza to Minab, innocents murdered in cold blood.”
IRAN’S PROXIES
Lebanese PM Bans Hezbollah’s Military Activities After Attack on Israel | Al Jazeera
“Hezbollah said the [Lebanese government’s] ban [on its military activities] was not justified. ‘We understand the Lebanese government’s impotence in the face of the brutal Zionist enemy, which violates national sovereignty, occupies land, and poses a continuous threat to the country’s security and stability,’ Hezbollah said, adding that it is the government’s right ‘to decide on war and peace.’ ‘However, given this clear weakness and deficiency, we see no justification for Prime Minister Salam and his government to take such aggressive measures against the Lebanese who reject the occupation,’ it said.”
GULF STATES & JORDAN
“The United Arab Emirates, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Kuwait, and the United States strongly condemn the Islamic Republic of Iran’s indiscriminate and reckless missile and drone attacks against sovereign territories across the region, including the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. These unjustified strikes targeted sovereign territory, endangered civilian populations, and damaged civilian infrastructure.”
Post by UAE Ministry of Defence | X
“The Ministry of Defence announced that the UAE’s air defenses successfully intercepted today 9 ballistic missiles, 6 cruise missiles, and 148 drones. The Ministry explained that since the beginning of the Iranian attack, 174 ballistic missiles launched toward the country have been detected, of which 161 were destroyed, while 13 fell into the sea. A total of 689 Iranian drones were also detected, with 645 intercepted, while 44 landed within the country’s territory. Additionally, 8 cruise missiles were detected and destroyed, causing some collateral damage. The incidents resulted in 3 fatalities and 68 minor injuries.”
Post by Becky Anderson of CNN | X
“‘This cannot go unanswered, a price has to be paid for this attack on our people,’ Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson @MajedAlAnsari tells me after Iran targeted Qatari civil infrastructure.”
Post by Zachary Cohen of CNN | X
Statement by the Qatar defense ministry’s Directorate of Morale Guidance: “The Ministry of Defense of the State of Qatar announces that . . . Qatar Emiri Air Force successfully shot down two (SU24) aircraft coming from the Islamic Republic of Iran. They also successfully intercepted (7) ballistic missiles through air defenses, and intercepted (5) drones . . . which targeted several areas in the state today.”
LEBANON
Lebanese PM Bans Hezbollah’s Military Activities After Attack on Israel | Al Jazeera
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam: “We announce a ban on Hezbollah’s military activities and restrict its role to the political sphere. We declare our rejection of any military or security operations launched from Lebanese territory outside the framework of legitimate institutions.”
TURKEY
Turkey’s Erdogan Says Attacks on Iran Are Clear Violation of International Law | Reuters
In his strongest opposition yet to the attacks, Turkish President [Recep] Tayyip Erdogan said they were a “clear violation of international law.” “As their neighbour and brother, we share the pain of the Iranian people,” he said at a Ramadan fast-breaking dinner in Ankara, and added that the U.S.-Iran dispute had grown into war after provocations from Israel.
EUROPE
Joint Statement by E3 Leaders | UK Gov Website
“E3 leaders are appalled by the indiscriminate and disproportionate missile attacks launched by Iran against countries in the region, including those who were not involved in initial US and Israeli military operations. Iran’s reckless attacks have targeted our close allies and are threatening our service personnel and our civilians across the region.”
Statement by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer | UK Gov Website
“Iran has lashed out across the region. It has launched hundreds of missiles and drones at countries which did not attack it, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain and Oman. And overnight, Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy, carried out further attacks on Israel, seeking to escalate the conflict. . . . We were not involved in the initial strikes, and we will not join offensive US strikes. But in the face of Iran’s dangerous escalation, we will defend British nationals and support the collective self‑defence of our allies. That is our duty to the British people.”
France ‘Ready’ to Defend Gulf States Against Iran as Middle East Conflict Widens | France 24
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot: “To allied countries that have been deliberately targeted by the missiles and drones of the (Iranian) Revolutionary Guards and dragged into a war they did not choose—Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan— France expresses its full support and complete solidarity. It stands ready . . . to take part in their defence.”
“Iran’s attacks of a number of countries in the Middle East are inexcusable. The events must not lead to further escalation that could threaten the region, Europe and beyond, with unpredictable consequences. We are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of EU citizens in the region.”
Post by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz | X
“I will speak with President Trump on the latest developments in the Middle East in Washington on Tuesday. I am in close contact with partners across Europe, Israel and the wider region. This is not the moment to lecture our allies, but to stand together in unity.”
Iranian-Made Drone Hits British Air Base in Cyprus | Reuters
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides: “I want to be clear: Our country does not participate in any way and does not intend to be part of any military operation.”
INDIA
Post by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi | X
“Discussed the evolving situation in West Asia with Crown Prince and PM of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman. India condemns the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia in violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We agreed that earliest restoration of regional peace and stability is of utmost importance. I thanked him for looking after the well-being of the Indian community in these difficult times.”
PAKISTAN
Post by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs | X
“Expressing condolences over the martyrdom of the Supreme Leader of Iran, [Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar] reiterated Pakistan's call for de-escalation, restraint and diplomacy to restore peace and stability in the region.”
CHINA
Statement by China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning | Foreign Ministry Website
“The U.S.-Israeli strikes have no UN Security Council authorization and violate international law. China is deeply concerned over the regional spillover. China believes that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the Gulf states should likewise be fully respected. We urge parties to stop the military operations and prevent further spread of the conflict. China commends the statement by the 50th Extraordinary Meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council that reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as the sole path to overcome the current crisis and preserve regional security. In light of the complex and delicate situation, China supports regional countries in valuing good-neighborliness, enhancing communication and coordination and jointly working for peace and stability in the region.”
RUSSIA
Putin Will Relay UAE President’s Complaints About Iranian Strikes to Tehran, Kremlin Says | Reuters
“Russian President Vladimir Putin told UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in a phone call on Monday that he was ready to relay his complaints about Iranian strikes against UAE territory to Tehran, the Kremlin said. ‘Vladimir Putin, for his part, expressed his readiness to convey these signals to Tehran and, in general, to provide all possible assistance in stabilising the overall situation in the region,’ the Kremlin said in a statement after the phone call.”
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