Trump announces extension of Operation Epic Fury to five weeks amid friendly-fire incident

WASHINGTON:  President Donald Trump on Monday announced that Operation Epic Fury, the US military campaign against Iran, is expected to last five weeks, slightly longer than initially projected.

Speaking in the White House East Room, Trump said the operations, which began Friday, are “progressing ahead of schedule,” though he did not provide operational details. He emphasised that while the campaign is planned for four to five weeks, the timeline could be extended if necessary to achieve key objectives.

“The goal is to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and to curb its long-range ballistic missile capabilities,” Trump said, citing Tehran’s advancing nuclear program and expanding missile activities. Iran has repeatedly denied pursuing nuclear weapons.

Trump also noted that US forces had “knocked out” 10 Iranian ships so far, expressing confidence in the campaign’s progress.

The announcement came as the Middle East conflict widened dramatically. US Central Command reported that Kuwaiti air defences mistakenly shot down three US F-15E fighter jets in a “friendly fire” incident. All six crew members ejected safely and were in stable condition, according to CENTCOM, and were transferred to the hospital for evaluation. Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence confirmed multiple US aircraft crashes but reported no fatalities.

The incidents occurred amid ongoing Iranian missile and drone attacks against Israel and US military facilities in the Gulf, reportedly in retaliation for joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. Iran launched a new wave of missile attacks on Israel, wounding at least seven people and causing property damage. Explosions were reported in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and parts of the occupied West Bank, sending residents to shelters.

Smoke was also seen near the US embassy in Kuwait City, prompting the embassy to advise American citizens to stay indoors and avoid windows. Gulf states, including Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE, reported blasts or intercepted missiles, while air raid sirens were activated in multiple locations. Falling debris at Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi oil refinery lightly injured two workers.

Iran’s National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani dismissed reports of potential negotiations with the United States, writing on X that Tehran would not engage in talks following reports suggesting attempts to resume nuclear discussions through Omani mediators.

Trump’s announcement underscores the US commitment to sustaining pressure on Iran, even as the situation in the region grows increasingly complex and volatile.