What They’re Saying About Operation Epic Fury—March 21, 2026
U.S.
President Donald Trump | Truth Social
“If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!”
President Donald Trump | Truth Social
“We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran: (1) Completely degrading Iranian Missile Capability, Launchers, and everything else pertaining to them. (2) Destroying Iran’s Defense Industrial Base. (3) Eliminating their Navy and Air Force, including Anti Aircraft Weaponry. (4) Never allowing Iran to get even close to Nuclear Capability, and always being in a position where the U.S.A. can quickly and powerfully react to such a situation, should it take place. (5) Protecting, at the highest level, our Middle Eastern Allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others. The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it — The United States does not! If asked, we will help these Countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn’t be necessary once Iran’s threat is eradicated. Importantly, it will be an easy Military Operation for them.”
Central Command Commander Adm. Brad Cooper | X
“So far, we’ve struck over 8,000 military targets, including 130 Iranian vessels—constituting the largest elimination of a navy over a three-week period since World War II.”
“U.S. forces remain centered on very clear military objectives in eliminating Iran’s ability to project power against Americans, and against its neighbors.”
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent | X
“Today, the Department of the Treasury is issuing a narrowly tailored, short-term authorization permitting the sale of Iranian oil currently stranded at sea. At present, sanctioned Iranian oil is being hoarded by China on the cheap. By temporarily unlocking this existing supply for the world, the United States will quickly bring approximately 140 million barrels of oil to global markets, expanding the amount of worldwide energy and helping to relieve the temporary pressures on supply caused by Iran. In essence, we will be using the Iranian barrels against Tehran to keep the price down as we continue Operation Epic Fury. This temporary, short-term authorization is strictly limited to oil that is already in transit and does not allow new purchases or production. Further, Iran will have difficulty accessing any revenue generated and the United States will continue to maintain maximum pressure on Iran and its ability to access the international financial system.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt | X
“Since Day One of Operation Epic Fury, President Trump clearly outlined the U.S. Military’s objectives to end the threat of the Iranian terrorist regime. The President and the Pentagon predicted it would take approximately 4-6 weeks to achieve this mission. Tomorrow marks week 3 - and the U.S. Armed Forces are doing an exceptional job. Day by day, the Iranian Regime is being crippled, and their ability to threaten the United States and our allies is being significantly weakened. As always, President Trump is laser focused on one thing: total and complete VICTORY.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries | X
“Donald Trump and Republican extremists started a reckless war of choice in the Middle East. Gas prices are way up, billions are being wasted and our country is less safe. We need regime change in America.”
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton | X
“Iran’s IRBMs can now threaten Diego Garcia, and our troops and assets stationed there. They are determined to build a missile capable of hitting the United States. Anyone who bought the ayatollah’s ‘fatwa’ against long-range missiles should never make U.S. policy again.”
Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner | X
“Donald Trump is giving away as much as $15 billion to Iran while they actively try to kill Americans.”
ISRAEL
“The Iranian terrorist regime launched a long-range missile for the first time since the start of Operation Roaring Lion that could reach a distance of ~4,000 km. During Operation Rising Lion in June 2025, the IDF revealed that the Iranian regime has intentions to develop missiles with a range of 4,000 km, which pose a danger to dozens of countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. The Iranian regime denied this. We have been saying it: The Iranian terrorist regime poses a global threat. Now, with missiles that can reach London, Paris or Berlin. The Iranian terror regime has carried out attacks against 12 countries in the region and is developing a capability that poses a much broader threat.
“🎯STRUCK: A strategic research and development facility belonging to the Iranian military industries and the ballistic missiles array. The ‘Malek-ashtar’ University facility was utilized by the Iranian terror regime’s military industries and ballistic missiles array to develop nuclear weapon components and weapons. It was subordinate to the Iranian Defense Ministry, and is sanctioned internationally due to its activities and efforts over the years to advance the Iranian nuclear program and to develop ballistic missiles.”
“🎯STRUCK: Dozens of Iranian terror regime targets, during a wide-scale strike sortie in Tehran, Iran. Among the sites struck:
- A central IRGC compound utilized for the production and development of ballistic missile components
- A missile production components storage facility
- A compound belonging to the Ministry of Defense responsible for producing missiles fuel
- Ballistic missiles components production site.”
Chief of Staff of the Home Front Command Brig. Gen. Elad Edri | X
“Once again, we see how our enemy aims their targets at civilian populations. They try to kill and impact as much as they can.”
Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs | X
“The Iranian regime devastated Arad and Dimona by deliberately striking civilians with missiles. Over 100 people were injured, including children. A blatant war crime. Pure terrorism.”
IRAN
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf | X
“If the Israeli regime fails to intercept the missiles in the highly protected Dimona area, it is operationally a sign of entering a new phase of the battle: ✅ Israel's skies are defenseless. As a result, it seems the time has come to implement the next pre-designed plans. Happy Nowruz to the Iranian nation.”
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf | X
“Lifting sanctions on Iranian oil currently stranded at sea? Sorry—we’re sold out.”
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri | X
“The Navy of the IRGC pounded the facilities of the two Al-Minhad and Ali Al-Salem air bases, the hangars, and the fuel depots of American-Zionist aircraft with a massive volume of ballistic missiles and suicide drones. These bases were the origin of the aggression against #IranianIslands. On all Iranian islands, we have prepared the #Grave_of_Aggressor_ChildKillers.”
President Masoud Pezeshkian | X
“Amid the powerful defense of our fighters, our people have created an extraordinary scene and the streets have never been empty. The U.S. president called them ‘AI’; let their journalists come and see how people defend their humanity, rights, nation, and territorial integrity.”
President Masoud Pezeshkian | X
“With the arrival of Nowruz, let us strive to set aside grudges, resentments, and differences. This year, more than ever, we need Nowruz—the Nowruz that showcases unity, cohesion, and national harmony in our culture. Let us join hands to guide our Iran through the storms it has fallen into, emerging proud and triumphant.”
President Masoud Pezeshkian | X
“To the Islamic countries and our dear neighbors, you are our brothers and we are not engaged in any dispute with you. The only beneficiary of our differences is the Zionist entity.”
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi | X
“Vast majority of the British People do not want any part in the Israel-U.S. war of choice on Iran. Ignoring his own People, Mr. Starmer is putting British lives in danger by allowing UK bases to be used for aggression against Iran. Iran will exercise its right to self-defense.”
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi | X
“Happy Eid al-Fitr. Thank you to the government & Muslim community as well as justice advocates in Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei) who condemned the brutal aggression of the United States and the Zionist regime against the Iranian Muslim nation in the month of Ramadan and demonstrated solidarity.”
FOREIGN MINISTERS OF THE U.S., UK, CANADA, FRANCE, ITALY, GERMANY, AND JAPAN, AND EU HIGH REPRESENTATIVE KAJA KALLAS
“We . . . express support to our partners in the region in the face of the unjustifiable attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxies. . . . We condemn in the strongest terms the regime’s reckless attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Iraq, in line with UNSC Resolution 2817. The Iranian regime’s unjustifiable attacks against these states also threaten regional and global security. We call for the immediate and unconditional cessation of all attacks by the Iranian regime. We reaffirm the importance of safeguarding maritime routes, and safety of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz and all associated critical waterways, as well as the safety and security of supply chains and the stability of energy markets. . . . We support the right of the countries unjustifiably attacked by Iran or by Iranian proxies to defend their territories and protect their citizens. We reaffirm our unwavering support for their security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”
GULF STATES
Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs | X
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs renews the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's categorical condemnation of the blatant Iranian aggressions against the Kingdom, the Gulf Cooperation Council states, and a number of Arab and Islamic countries.”
“UAE air defences are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran MOD asserts that the sounds heard are the result of the Air Defence Systems intercepting missiles and drones.”
“The UAE air defence systems on 21th March 2026 engaged 3 ballistic missiles and 8 UAVs launched from Iran. Since the onset of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 341 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,748 UAVs. These attacks have resulted in the martyrdom of 2 members of the armed forces while performing their national duty, as well as 6 fatalities of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi and Palestinian nationalities. A total of 160 people were also injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe.”
INDIA
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi | X
“Spoke with President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian and conveyed Eid and Nowruz greetings. We expressed hope that this festive season brings peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia. Condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, which threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains. Reiterated the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure. Appreciated Iran’s continued support for the safety and security of Indian nationals in Iran.”
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