03/07/2026
On a Friday night at Mar-a-Lago, as guests gathered nearby, President Donald Trump made one of the gravest decisions a commander in chief can make. Hours later, Operation Epic Fury began.
After a sweeping U.S. strike that killed Iran’s supreme leader and triggered deadly retaliation, Trump defended the decision in a phone call with TIME, outlined his goals for Iran’s future, and acknowledged the costs: “When you go to war, some people will die.”
Since returning to office, Trump has authorized attacks on eight nations, three of which have never before been directly targeted by U.S. forces. No modern American leader has ordered assaults against as many countries in such a short span of time.
The risks — to his presidency, to regional stability, and to Americans at home — are profound.
TIME’s new cover story examines how Trump made the decision for war and the uncertain road ahead. Read it here: https://time.com/7382697/trump-iran-war/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_content=050326
