The goals were clearly laid out.
The clearly defined objectives of Operation Epic Fury (launched late February 2026 under President Trump) were consistently articulated by Trump, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and other officials from the outset. These focused on a decisive, limited campaign to neutralize key Iranian threats rather than open-ended occupation or full regime change (though some statements referenced enabling the Iranian people to replace the regime). Core Stated Objectives (as repeatedly outlined)Officials listed them in near-identical terms across speeches, briefings, and White House releases:
- Destroy Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and production infrastructure: Eliminate the existing arsenal of deadly ballistic missiles and completely raze the missile industry and defense industrial base to prevent rebuilding
- Annihilate the Iranian navy: Sink or destroy naval assets and related infrastructure to eliminate its ability to threaten shipping (e.g., in the Strait of Hormuz) or project power.
- Sever support for terrorist proxies and end destabilizing regional activities: Ensure Iranian-backed groups (e.g., Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, militias) can no longer receive arms, funding, or direction to attack U.S. forces, allies, or destabilize the region and beyond.
- Prevent Iran from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon: Dismantle nuclear capabilities and related infrastructure to guarantee no nuclear breakout, building on prior maximum pressure goals.
Trump summarized it early on (March 2, 2026): “Our objectives are clear. First, we’re destroying Iran’s missile capabilities… and their capacity to produce brand new ones… Second, we’re annihilating their navy… Third, we’re ensuring that the world’s number one sponsor of terror can never obtain a nuclear weapon… And finally, we’re ensuring that the Iranian regime cannot continue to arm, fund, and direct terrorist armies outside of their borders.” Leavitt and others framed these as unchanging: destroy missiles and industry, annihilate the navy, neutralize proxies, and block nuclear weapons.