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Operation Epic Fury Timeline
Home > Events > OPEF > Timeline
Operation Epic Fury began on Saturday, February 28, 2026, with a U.S.-Israel joint multi-domain offensive against Iran to destroy its missile, drone, and nuclear infrastructure. The mission saw rapid success in establishing air superiority, degrading Iran's air force, destroying Iran's navy, disruption of Iran's defense industry, and limiting Iran's ability to attack neighbors with missiles and drones.
"Strategy without tactics
is the slowest route to victory.
Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat"
Sun Tzu, The Art of
War, 6th Century BC
April 28, 2026
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April 27, 2026
The USS Rafael Peralta has seized the Iranian oil tanker M/T Stream in enforcement of the naval blockade on Iranian ports.
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April 26, 2026
The news came out today that Israel sent an Iron Dome battery, manned by Israel Defense Force troops, to the United Arab Emirates during the early days of the conflict.
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April 25, 2026
It appears that there will be no meeting between the United States and Iran in Islamabad. President Trump has cancelled the movement of Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan.
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April 24, 2026
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine held a press conference at the Pentagon about Operation Epic Fury on Friday, April 24, 2026. https://sof.news/middle-east/press-conf-24april2026/
Iran's foreign minister may be flying to Islamabad, Pakistan to join the U.S. for ceasefire talks on Friday, April 24, 2026. The U.S. already has a logistics and security team in place in Islamabad. Steve Witkoff (real estate developer) and Jared Kushner (Trump's son-in-law) will be heading there on Saturday for the U.S. side. Vice President Vance is on standby to attend if the talks progress.
Clashes between Israel and Hezbollah intensified on Friday. The ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel is still holding.
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April 23, 2026
As of April 23, 2026, the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) , a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, is now operating in the Indian Ocean. There are now three aircraft carriers in the CENTCOM AOR. Accompanied by their carrier air wings, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), and USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) include over 200 aircraft and 15,000 Sailors. Chart depicts number of ships, aircraft, and sailors with the 3 carriers.
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April 22, 2026
Iranian forces seized two container ships in the past two hours, making a diplomatic solution to the current crisis more difficult.
U.S. turns to Ukrainian counter-drone technology to stop waves of Iranian Shahed 136 drone attacks. (Reuters, April 22, 2026)
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April 21, 2026
Another oil tanker, the M/T Tifani, was seized by the United States on Tuesday, April 21, 2026; this time in the Indo-Pacific region. The vessel was not flying a flag at the time and had been placed under U.S. Treasury sancations for allegedly providing material support to Iran. It was en route to Singapore when boarded by a Naval Special Warfare unit that fast-roped onto it deck. DoD on X, April 21, 2026
Ceasefire Extended. President Trump has extended the ceasefire indefinately until Iran can come up with a proposal to negotiate. In the meantime, the naval blockade on ships entering and leaving Iranian ports will continue.
The Wednesday ceasefire meeting between the United States and Iran appears to be a non-meeting. Vice President Vance is still in Washington and the Iranians have indicated they are not going to show. The current ceasefire ends on Wednesday.
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April 20,2026
According to the UAE Embassy (X post on 20 April 2026) in the U.S., the UAE suffered more missile and drone attacks by Iran than any other nation from February 28 to April 14, 2026. Iran targeted the UAE with 2,800+ missiles and drones, 90% of which were aimed at civilian infrastructure. The other countries were Israel 1,357, Saudi Arabia 1,231, Kuwait 1,214, Qatar 730, Bahrain 717, Iraq 340, and Jordan 287.
Ceasefire talks, if they happen, will probably take place on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. The Iranians will likely attend the peace talks, not agree to any of the U.S. conditions, and attempt to extend the current ceasefire that ends on Wednesday.
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April 19, 2026
On Sunday, April 19, 2026 the USS Spruance (DDG 111) Guided-missile destroyer issued several warnings over a six hour period to change its course as it was transiting in violation of the U.S. naval blockade. It failed to stop or turn around. The destroyer fired shots from a 5-inch MK 45 Gun into the M/V Touska's engine room, stopping the vessel. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) took control of the vessel.
A U.S. delegation is enroute to Islamabad, Pakistan for a second round of peace talks with Iran. The delegation is headed by Vice President J.D. Vance, Stephen Witkoff (real estate developer), and Jarad Kushner (Trump's son-in-law). The Iranians have indicated they will not show.
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April 18, 2026
Iran has not agreed to the next rounds of peace talks yet citing unreasonable US pressure and demands. U.S. Central Command stated that since commencement of the U.S. blockade, 23 ships (as of 18 April 2026) have complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around. American forces are enforcing a maritime blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas.
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April 17 2026
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is issuing a license authorizing the delivery and sale of crude oil and petroleum products of Russian Federation Origin loaded on vessels as of April 17, 2026.
Airline passengers will be facing more hurdles and aggravation in the next few months as airlines around the world tighten their belts due to significant increases in jet-fuel prices.
Reuters reported that at least two vessels were hit by gunfire as they tried to cross the Strait of Hormuz after Iran said it was tightening control over the waterway. Reports say that Iranian small gunboats are shooting at tankers around the Strait of Hormuz.
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April 16, 2026
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper conduct a press conference (DoD transcript, April 16, 2026) about Operation Epic Fury. Watch the video (DVIDS, April 16, 2026, 37 minutes).
Israel and the Lebanon government agree to ten-day ceasefire period. Iran is not part of the agreement. There are conflicting reports on whether Hezbollah has been included in the agreement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors on Tuesday, April 16, 2026. The agreement goes into effect on Thursday evening.
As of Thursday, April 16, 2026, about 13 ships attempted to head from Iranian ports have been turned around to return to Iran.
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April 15, 2026
The U.S. stock market recovered some its losses it had suffered over the past month. Investors are feeling confident they have seen the worst of the conflict between the United States and Iran.
A Pakistani delegation visited Tehran in an attempt to salvage the peace talks. At the moment there is no timetable set for a second round of peace talks.
The U.S. blockade on ships traveling to and from Iranian ports is still ongoing. Some vessels are getting through the Strait of Hormuz, but a fraction of what normally takes place.
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April 14, 2026
The U.S. blockade is still in effect for Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz. Ships can transit the strait as long as they are not coming from or going to an Iranian port or have not paid a "transit toll" to Iran. The U.S. blockade is putting an economic squeeze on Iran; however, the lack of transits through the strait is also affecting the worldwide global oil supply and the global economy.
Among the handful of oil tankers leaving the Persian Gulf and heading out the strait was one Chinese-affiliated ship. It departed a port in the UAE, so the U.S. Navy let it pass.
A number of European nations are formulating plans to provide naval forces for the removal of mines from the Strait of Hormuz. It is not a plan to assist or augment U.S. forces in conducting combat operations against Iran.
There is talk of a continuation of negotiations between Iran and the United States but it is only at the informal level. Pakistan is advancing the idea of a second round of talks in Islamabad before the current 2-week ceasefire period ends.
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Photo: Destroyer in Persian Gulf on April 11, 2026 as part of naval effort to clear mines from the Persian Gulf. CENTCOM, 11 April 2026.
April 13, 2026
Strait of Hormuz. The closing of the Strait of Hormuz has economic impact around the world; and that is not just with gas and oil. It will also affect the global food supply as the availability of nitrogen fertilizer will be limited. "A Closed Strait of Hormuz Risks a Global Food Security Crisis", War on the Rocks, April 13, 2026.
Naval Blockade. The U.S. Naval has begun its naval blockade of maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports. The intent of the U.S. blockade is to force the Iranians to open the strait to all maritime traffic. The United Kingdom said it will not agree to join the blockade but will conduct mine-sweeping in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz.
Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline has been restored to full capacity (gCaptain, April 12, 2026)
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April 12, 2026
U.S. Navy to Begin Blockade of Hormuz Strait
President Trump announced on Sunday, April 12, 2026, that the U.S. Navy will begin a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran. The Navy's task is to "seek and interdict every vessel in international waters that has paid a toll to Iran. This will happen at the same time that the U.S. Navy will begin mine clearing operations in the Strait.
CENTCOM announced that the blockade will begin on April 13, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET. The blockade will be not only for the Strait of Hormuz but for all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports. (X, 13 April 2026)
The announcement of the blockade took place just hours after the ceasefire talks in Islamabad concluded with no agreement. The U.S. will need to institute additional pressure points on Iran to move them closer to an agreement - and the naval blockade appears to be one of the mechanisms that Trump will use.
USS Frank E. Peterson (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) transited the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the strait is fully clear of sea mines previously laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.
Iran's IRGC has issued a statement saying that any military vessels nearing the Strait of Hormuz will be deemed a ceasefire violation and will be handled firmly.
The world reacts to news of no progress at the Islamabad Ceasefire Conference between the United States and Iran. The 21-hour marathon meeting ended with no agreement. All members of the U.S. negotiating team, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, are now heading home.
What is Next? Now all eyes are on the United States for its next move. Israel puts its forces on a higher alert status. There could soon be three carrier strike groups in the Middle East region: USS Lincoln, USS Ford, and USS Bush. The Soufan Center examines the near future in "Failure of U.S.-Iran Talks and U.S. Blockade Might Presage Renewed Hostilities", IntelBrief, April 13, 2026.
Iran's internet is still shut down; going on 44 days, the longest shutdown in Iran ever. A significant cyber attack took place against economic, legal, and other vital institutions of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Saudi Arabia's East West pipeline is now operating at its full capacity of 7 million barrels per day according to the Saudi Ministry of Energy. The oil flows from the coast of Saudi Ababi on the Persian Gulf to the coast of Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea. This is referred to as the Abqaiq-Yanbu pipeline. This allows Saudi Arabia to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. In related news, crude oil futures rose 8%.
Strategic Deadlock. The U.S. thinks it has won based on how badly Iran's military was hit. Iran thinks it has survived that onslaught and still retains an ability to retaliate with proxy groups, pressure on the Strait of Hormuz, and continued attacks on U.S. bases in the Middle East as well as U.S.-allied Gulf states. So Iran's perspective is very different. That is why the positions of the two countries at the ceasefire conference in Islamabad were so far apart.
Read a more comprehensive update on
Operation Epic Fury by SOF News.
https://sof.news/middle-east/epic-fury-update-20260412/
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April 11, 2026
Ceasefire Talks Over. Despite a 21 hour-long marathon session, the United States and Iran could not come to an agreement that concluded in the early morning hours of Sunday in Islamabad, Pakistan.
CRS Report on the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz in Brief: Non-Oil Shipments and Effects on U.S. Shippers, CRS R48903, April 10, 2026. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48903
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April 10, 2026
Military Victory but Strategic Failure. While the U.S. can claim that it attained an overwhelming victory over Iranian forces it would seem to have suffered a strategic defeat. At least at this point in time. "In Islamabad, Iran Will Try to Cement Strategic Gains", IntelBrief, The Soufan Center, April 10, 2026.
Ceasefire Talks. U.S. ceasefire delegation has arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan. As of Friday the Iranians are a no-show; informing Pakistan that if Lebanon is not part of the ceasefire, Iran's team will not go to Islamabad for the talks that will begin on Saturday. Real estate developer Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner are heading up the U.S. team in Islamabad. Vice President J.D. Vance will also be attending.
If the talks do kick off then Iran will attempt to solidify some strategic gains. Iran will attempt to secure an agreement that ends the military threat to Iran and cements Iran and its allies as a major ideological and political force in the region. Tehran will also seek U.S. recognition that it can control and earn revenue from the flow of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
USS George H.W. Bush carrier strike group is on the way to the Middle East; probably a week away from arriving.
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April 9, 2026
CENTCOM Briefing. U.S. Navy Admiral
Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, provides an
update on Operation Epic Fury, April 9, 2026. (U.S. Central
Command Video, DIVDS, 3 minutes)
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1002125/centcom-commander-provides-update-operation-epic-fury
Iran is demanding that oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz follow a specific route that runs close to the Iranian coast. But prior to using the strait a request must be made and a payment provided. The payment is equal to $1.00 per barrel of oil. Most ships carry 2 million gallons. Iran will make a lot of money. Prior to the Iran War permission from Iran was not needed and there was no passage fee. The strait was considered international waters.
As of Thursday morning, no oil tankers have transited the Strait of Hormuz since the ceasefire was announced on Tuesday. Four bulk carriers, with dry cargo, did make it through of Wednesday.
DoD Says Objectives Accomplished. The Pentagon says that America's joint force has helped accomplish all the goals President Trump set for Operation Epic Fury. The goals were destroying Iran's offensive missiles, missile production, the Iranian navy, and other security infrastructure as well as ensuring Iran never has nuclear weapons.
Israel says it will open direct talks with Lebanon but not halt attacks on Hezbollah. The talks will focus on disarming Hezbollah and the formalization of peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon. The two nations have not had direct talks since 1983. Israel is maintaining that the current ceasefire does not pertain to Israel or to Lebanon.
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April 8, 2026
DoD Press Conference - April 8, 2026. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Air Force General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, conducted a press conference at the Pentagon, April 8, 2026, DVIDS, 36 minutes. https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1002032/hegseth-caine-hold-press-conference
SecDef Pete Hegseth claimed a historic military victory on April 8,2026. General Dan Caine said that U.S. forces are going to remain "ready" to resume operations if necessary.
IRGC-affiliated media has stated that Iran will withdraw from the ceasefire agreement if Israel continues to attack Lebanon. US and Israeli officials have stated that Lebanon is not part of the agreement.
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April 7, 2026
President Trump has said that Iran has presented a possible workable ceasefire solution so he is providing another extension for some additional talks. "Trump pulls back on his Iran threats for two weeks, subject to Iran agreeing to ceasefire", April 7, 2026, AP News.
Iran's ten-point proposal is very different than the March 10th 15-point proposal that the United States has offered. There are multiple points that contradict each of the proposals.
President Trump's ultimatum for Iraq to accept a ceasefire and allow oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz expires on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. After that time Trump will make the decision on whether to attack civilian infrastructure of Iraq with a massive bombing effort to destroy bridges and power plants across Iran.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has requested that U.S. President Trump extend the deadline for Iran to reach a deal for two weeks. He said that "Diplomatic efforts for peaceful settlement of the ongoing war in the Middle East are progressing steadily, strongly, and powerfully."
China and Russia Oppose UN Vote. A Bahrain-led resolution to open the Strait of Hormuz was defeated at the United Nations on April 7, 2026. A dozen countries voted in favor of the resolution. As permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, both China and Russia can veto the measure. Currently, the price of Brent crude oil is $100 per barrel. "China, Russia sink UN vote on Strait of Hormuz", The Hill, April 7, 2026.
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April 6, 2026
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April 5, 2026
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April 4, 2026
Approximately 2300 hours (EST) on Saturday, April 4, 2026, the second aviator of the F-15E Strike Eagle was in U.S. hands and in the process of being exiflled from Iran. A ground force was infiltrated into the area linked up with the downed airman in the Zagros Mountains. During the recovery the ground force was in contact with a local Iranian security force. Two C-130s landed to pull out the airman and extraction force but they got stuck. They were blown up and three more C-130s arrived to exfil the force. Read more in "2nd F-15E Aviator Recovered in High-Risk CSAR Mission Inside Iran", SOF News, April 4, 2026.
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A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron lands at a base in the Middle East, January 18, 2026. Courtesy photo CENTCOM.
April 3, 2026
Iran is claiming the downing of a F-15E Strike Eagle, no comment from CENTCOM. U.S. military officials confirm that an aircraft is down in southern Iran. A CSAR operation is underway with USAF HC-130J, HH-60G Pave Hawks, A-10s and other supporting aircraft. The F-15 Strike Eagle has a crew of two. Social media reports stated that one of the two crewmen (pilot) had been rescued as of mid-day EST Friday. See "USAF F-15E Strike Eagle Downed in Iran", SOF News, April 3, 2026.
An A-10 Thunderbolt was hit by hostile fire on April 3. The pilot navigated into Kuwaiti airspace and then ejected over the Persian Gulf. He has been picked up by rescue. The A-10 was supporting the downed F-15E. Two Blackhawks also took fire with some crew members injured. There are reports that another MQ-9 Reaper was down; bringing the total number to 17 lost in the Iran War.
About 40% of the USAF strategic tanker fleet are involved in European and Middle East operations.
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April 2, 2026
After President Trump's speech on Wednesday night, April 1, 2026, the market reacted with a drop in stock prices and a rise in oil prices. The price of crude surged around 8 percent on Thursday, April 2, 2026, in response to Trump's speech where he offered no plan to open the Strait of Hormuz.
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Photo: President Trump's speech to the nation about Iran War and Operation Epic Fury on April 1, 2026.
April 1, 2026
President Trump briefed the nation on Operation Epic Fury in a 20 minute presentation on Wednesday night. He talked about the devastating punishment inflicted on Iran. He said we are totally independent of Middle East oil and that the U.S. does not need it. He talked about the history of Iranian activities against the United States over the past several decades.
He said that Iran will be reduced to the stone age if they don't come to an agreement with the U.S. If there is no deal then we will hit their civilian energy and oil facilities.
We are on track to complete all of America's objectives in this operation within a few weeks.
His speech can be listened / viewed to
on PBS NewsHour, YouTube, 20 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKQqBRiJlcI
Italy Denies U.S. Military Aircraft Stopover. U.S. aircraft have not received permission to land at an air base in Sicily that enroute to locations in the Middle East. Spain has also restricted use of its bases by U.S. military aircraft tied to the Middle East conflict.
Iranian leader writes Open Letter to US. The letter was addressed to "the people of the United States of America" on Wednesday and published it on the social media platform X. "Iranian president leaves door open to diplomacy in open letter to US", The Hill, April 1, 2026.
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