The United States began Operation Epic Fury on February 28, 2026.

President Donald Trump ordered this large military campaign against Iran.

The main aims were to destroy Iran’s ballistic missiles and the factories that make them, sink or damage Iran’s navy, cut off help to terrorist groups, and make sure Iran never builds a nuclear weapon.

The operation is being carried out with support from Israel and uses the full strength of the U.S. military.

18 days after the attack, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reports that many targets have been hit.

Iran’s navy has suffered heavy damage.

Several missile sites and production facilities have been destroyed.

Some senior Iranian leaders have been killed or removed.

On March 16, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper gave an update, stating that the strikes are continuing as planned.

At first, these results looked like a strong success. Officials described the operation as a clear show of American power.

However, serious problems have now appeared, and many people are calling it a flop.

The Pentagon has confirmed that 13 American service members have died and many more have been injured.

Iran has fired back with missiles and drones.

Although most of these attacks were stopped, the fighting has not ended.

The operation has lasted longer than many expected and continues to this day.

The monetary cost is very high.

Such large military operations require billions of dollars per week for weapons, fuel, planes, ships, and other support.

Because of the war, oil prices worldwide have risen sharply.

This is hurting families, businesses, and economies everywhere.

The Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route, remains a major concern.

Many experts, retired military officers, and critics now say the operation is becoming a costly flop.

They point out that air strikes and missiles alone cannot remove a government or bring lasting change in a country like Iran.

After more than two weeks, the main goals have not been fully reached.

The human toll and huge costs are growing rapidly, but there is still no clear end in sight.

Some retired generals have openly warned that without ground troops, the mission will not succeed.

They say continuing this way risks a long and expensive war with more deaths and wider problems in the Middle East.

Inside Iran, the government calls the strikes an unjust attack on the nation.

Opposition groups hope for major changes, but the regime remains in control.

The world is divided.

Close U.S. allies have offered quiet support, while countries such as Russia and China have strongly criticized the action.

Peace talks so far have not worked.

For ordinary Americans, the news is worrying.

Families of soldiers follow every update with anxiety.

Stock markets fluctuate in response to reports from the Gulf region.

Operation Epic Fury is one of the largest U.S. military actions in the Middle East in recent years.

At first, it seemed like a powerful move to protect national security.

However, now, because of the 13 lives lost, the billions spent, the slow progress, the risk of a longer war, and the lack of a clear victory, many voices are calling it a major flop in the making.

U.S. leaders say they will keep strong pressure on targets until the goals are met.

At the same time, diplomats are looking for any possible way to reduce the fighting.

The coming days and weeks will be very important.

They will show whether the operation can turn around or be remembered as an expensive failure.