U.S.-Iran War Explained: From Operation Epic Fury To Strait Of Hormuz Crisis And Peace Deal

The U.S.-Iran war escalated dramatically after the launch of Operation Epic Fury on February 28, 2026, when major American combat operations began against Iran. The conflict quickly expanded beyond direct strikes, pulling in Israel, Hezbollah, Gulf states and US bases across the region. Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz triggered a global energy shock, while retaliatory attacks and maritime standoffs pushed the Middle East into a wider crisis. This explainer breaks down how the war began, how it spread, why Hormuz became the key flashpoint, and how ceasefire talks eventually led to a peace framework.