Washington: The White House has told Republican lawmakers that “America will win” and that “the terrorist Iranian regime will be defeated,” as it defended Donald Trump’s decision to initiate major combat operations against Iran under Operation Epic Fury.

In an eight-page guidance note circulated to GOP members, the administration said the President had ordered “major combat operations against the Iranian regime” with what it described as clear and achievable objectives.

Operation Epic Fury: Stated objectives

According to the document, the goals of the US military action against Iran include:

  • Destroying Iran’s missile capabilities and dismantling its missile industry
  • Neutralising the Iranian Navy
  • Preventing Tehran’s regional proxies from destabilising the Middle East or targeting US forces
  • Ensuring Iran can “never obtain a nuclear weapon”

The White House framed the operation as decisive action long under consideration by previous administrations. “President Trump should be commended for killing terrorists and finally having the courage to do what American presidents for nearly 50 years have contemplated but failed to execute,” the document states.

It adds: “America will win – the terrorist Iranian regime will be defeated.”

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Legal justification and congressional briefing

The administration said the strike was authorised under Article II of the US Constitution, which grants the President authority as Commander-in-Chief. A congressional notification was issued before the attacks, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed the bipartisan “Gang of 8,” according to officials.

The White House emphasised that the operation is intended to be limited in scope. “These are targeted, major combat operations. A long and drawn-out war is not the President’s intention,” the guidance states, noting that Trump has estimated the campaign could last approximately four to five weeks.

Trump’s address to the nation

In an address following the launch of Operation Epic Fury, Trump said: “A short time ago, the United States Military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”

He warned Tehran of further consequences, stating: “Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier.”

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Decades-long US-Iran tensions

The guidance document argues that Iran has posed a sustained threat to US national security for nearly five decades, referencing Tehran’s support for regional militant groups and its nuclear ambitions. It describes Iran as the “number one state sponsor of terrorism in the world” and claims that months of diplomatic engagement failed to produce a negotiated settlement.

US-Iran tensions date back to the 1979 hostage crisis and subsequent proxy conflicts across the Middle East. Preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons has long been a bipartisan priority in Washington.

The launch of Operation Epic Fury marks one of the most direct US military confrontations with Iran in recent history, significantly escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia and raising global security concerns.

IANS