Operation Epic Fury Opens a Second Major Round of War with Iran

The United States launched Operation Epic Fury, a major military operation against Iranian military capabilities, marking a second large-scale round of hostilities without a new congressional authorization for the use of force. The administration characterized the operation as high risk and high reward.

The absence of a specific new congressional authorization raises constitutional questions about war powers and the division of authority between the executive branch, which directs military operations, and Congress, which holds the power to declare war and authorize the use of force. Critics described the pattern of repeated unilateral strikes as amounting to an undeclared and expanding conflict.

As of the February 2026 report, the operation had been launched; its scope, duration and any congressional response were not detailed in available reporting.