Military and Legal Dimensions of Operation Epic Fury Against Iran

In the early hours of the morning on February 28, the United States, in conjunction with Israel, launched Operation Epic Fury. President Trump announced this as a full-scale military attack to bring about regime change in Iran and to protect the United States, Israel, and their allies against the dangers of a nuclearized Iran. On Sunday, March 1, the world learned that the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been killed in a coordinated strike by Israeli and American forces, along with at least 7 of Iran’s top political leaders. This operation differs markedly from Operation Rising Lion, which took place in June of 2025, characterized as a limited military operation uniquely targeting Iran’s nuclear capabilities. President Trump has suggested that the operation may last for another month, but U.S. officials decline to provide any further indication of the parameters of the operation, including whether ground troops will be involved.

In this webinar, retired four-star general and former commander of U.S. Central Command General Joseph L. Votel explains the nature of the military operations undertaken to date, from what is currently known, and helps the public understand the possible course of the operation to come. Texas Tech University Law professor and national security expert Geoffrey S. Corn addresses the legal questions, both domestic and international, implicated by Operation Epic Fury. Ben Wahlhaus, partner at Herzog Law Offices and former Israel Defense Forces legal advisor, addresses the role of Israeli armed forces. They are in conversation with CERL Faculty Director and Professor at Penn Carey Law Claire Finkelstein.