Emerson Watt | Opinion Editor
March 17, 2026
The United States and Israel are nearly 15 days into Operation Epic Fury– a joint military campaign targeting Iran’s military infrastructure and nuclear program. According to the White House, the operation aims to destroy Iran’s missile systems, weaken the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. However, as the conflict continues to intensify, many Americans are increasingly asking not how successful the campaign has been, but how long it will last and what its long-term consequences might be.
What is known so far comes from official statements, military briefings, and international reporting. The operation began on February 28, 2026, when US missiles and Israeli fighter jets launched coordinated strikes on hundreds of Iranian military sites, including air defense systems, missile launchers, and command centers and cities, such as Tehran and Isfahan. Approximately 200 Israeli aircraft participated in the initial wave of attacks, hitting around striking around 500 military targets in what Israeli officials described as the largest combat sortie in the country’s history. The strikes reportedly involved more than 1,200 bombs within the first 24 hours of the operation.
In addition to Israeli aircraft, U.S. forces contributed cruise missiles, drones, and long-range bombers launched from bases and naval assets across the Middle East. Targets included ballistic missile facilities, Iranian naval vessels, IRGC command headquarters, and integrated air defense systems. In the first week alone, thousands of targets were reportedly struck as coalition forces attempted to dismantle Iran’s military command structure and limit its ability to retaliate.
Iran responded quickly. Within hours of the initial strikes, Iranian forces launched ballistic missiles and drones toward Israeli territory and toward U.S. military bases across the Persian Gulf. Several countries in the region, including Kuwait and Qatar, reported missile interceptions and air defense activity as the conflict expanded beyond Iran’s borders.
As of now, the U.S. and California Law enforcement have been informed of potential threats from Iranian drone strikes. Alleged drone sightings off the coast of California have left the West in fear of what’s to come. In response to this newly released memo, President Trump has come out to say, “It’s being investigated, but you have a lot of things happening. All we can do is take ’em as they come.”
In our own community, when asked about their opinion on the drone sightings, Senior Mia Kocher shared, “I’m extremely fearful of what’s to come.” While Senior Avalon Davis remarked that, “Since the threat is not being seen as legitimate, all I can do is worry about the possibilities of imminent danger in California and our country.”
While U.S. and Israeli officials claim the operation has significantly weakened Iran’s air defenses and missile capabilities, analysts warn that the conflict could continue for weeks or even months. As regional tensions grow and global markets react, the ultimate outcome of Operation Epic Fury remains uncertain. The American people remain at the forefront, anxious of what’s to come and pacing for an end.
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