President Trump Defends ‘Operation Epic Fury’ as U.S.-Israel Strikes on Iran Continue for Third Day

President Trump is defending the decision to join Israel in attacking Iran as Operation Epic Fury enters its third straight day.

Speaking at the White House, the president said the U.S. faced a growing threat after weeks of negotiations with Iranian leaders. “Our country itself would be under threat and it was very nearly under threat,” he said, explaining the timing of the strikes.

U.S. and Israeli forces have continued pounding targets across Iran with bombs and missiles. The president says the operation is ahead of schedule, noting that initial projections estimated four to five weeks. He claims the opening barrage killed nearly 50 top Iranian leaders, including the Ayatollah.

Iran and its allies have responded with drone and missile attacks across the region, striking targets in at least 10 Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Dramatic video emerged after Kuwait shot down three American F-15 fighter jets in what officials describe as an apparent friendly fire incident. All six crew members survived. However, the Pentagon confirms at least six U.S. service members have died in Iranian attacks over the weekend.

The expanding conflict has stranded hundreds of thousands of travelers as airports and airspace across the Middle East shut down. Americans overseas say they are scrambling to find ways home.

On Capitol Hill, Democrats criticized the president’s decision, arguing Americans are more concerned about domestic issues than overseas military action. A bipartisan group of lawmakers says it plans to vote this week on legislation that would limit the president’s authority to take further action in Iran. Even if the bill passes, the president is expected to veto it.

Reporting from Washington, Gary Grumbach, NBC News.

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