U.S. forces have initiated a massive aerial campaign against Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) assets under the codename Operation Epic Fury. The operation involved over 1,700 strikes, utilizing a sophisticated mix of stealth jets, heavy bombers, and guided-missile destroyers to target high-value military infrastructure. Notably, the military marked the first combat deployment of the LUCAS one-way attack drones, a system influenced by Iranian Shahed designs and tactical lessons from the conflict in Ukraine. This direct military confrontation represents a major geopolitical shock, triggering immediate concerns over global energy supply stability. Markets responded with a flight to safety, driving up Gold (XAU/USD) and Brent Crude prices while putting significant downward pressure on equity indices like the SPY. Investors remain on high alert for potential Iranian retaliation and further escalation in the region.
Get AI-powered deep analysis for every story with a paid subscription
Upgrade for Analysis