U.S. Navy May Escort Tankers as Operation Epic Fury Intensifies

Operation Epic Fury is expanding as fighting between the United States and Iran intensifies across the Middle East. President Trump says the Navy may escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if needed, a key route where about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes. Iran has threatened ships traveling through the narrow waterway, raising concerns about global energy supplies and rising gas prices. Trump says the U.S. will make sure energy continues flowing to the world.

Military commanders say the operation itself is moving faster than expected. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper says U.S. forces have crippled Iran’s air defenses and destroyed hundreds of missiles, launchers and drones. Cooper says the opening wave of attacks delivered more firepower than the “Shock and Awe” campaign at the start of the Iraq War. He also says American forces have wiped out 17 Iranian ships and the country’s only submarine while Iran fires back with hundreds of missiles and thousands of drones.

The Pentagon has confirmed the first American deaths tied to the operation after an Iranian strike hit a port in Kuwait. Four Army Reserve soldiers have now been identified: Captain Cody Khork of Florida, Sergeant First Class Noah Tietjens of Nebraska, Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor of Minnesota, and Sergeant Declan Coady of Iowa. Two additional service members killed in the same attack have not yet been publicly identified. Meanwhile, Iran has launched new strikes on U.S. embassies and targets in the region, and Hezbollah has joined the conflict as Israel carries out attacks against both Iran and Beirut.