Trump Says Operation Epic Fury Could Last Longer Than a Month as Congress Receives Briefing

The conflict in the Middle East is escalating as President Trump says Operation Epic Fury could last longer than originally projected.

Speaking about the ongoing military campaign against Iran, the president said the operation is ahead of schedule but acknowledged it may extend beyond the initial estimate of four to five weeks. He added that the United States has the capability to continue the operation for much longer if necessary.

Today, members of Congress are expected to receive a full briefing on the developing situation. In a new war powers notification, the president told lawmakers it is not possible to know the full scope or duration of the operation at this time.

Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise across the region. The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was struck by drones, though a Saudi official told NBC News no one was injured. Several U.S. embassies throughout the Middle East are now closing and ordering non-emergency personnel to evacuate as security concerns grow.

The conflict is also disrupting travel, with thousands of flights canceled and many American travelers stranded as airspace across parts of the region shuts down.

The administration argues the military action was necessary to prevent further threats. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said officials believed Iran would retaliate against U.S. forces if Israel launched strikes, prompting the United States to act first.

At least six American service members have been killed in retaliatory Iranian attacks. The president says the operation aims to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, eliminate its navy, prevent the country from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and stop it from arming terrorist groups.

Reporting from Washington, Alice Barr, NBC News.

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