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US-Israel Launch 'Operation Epic Fury' on Iran in 2026, Strait of Hormuz Blockade Threatens 30% Global Oil Shipments

Intl. RelationsSecurity & DefenceHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCTeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains High
31 Mar 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:February 28, 202630% of world's oil shipments12-day war in June 2025
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What This Article Covers

1.The US-Israel joint military operation 'Operation Epic Fury' against Iran began on February 28, 2026, escalating from a previous 12-day war in June 2025.

2.Iran has retaliated by threatening to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for nearly 30% of the world's oil shipments, risking a global energy crisis.

3.The conflict highlights the weaponization of economic infrastructure, the resilience of Shia resistance rooted in the 'Battle of Karbala' narrative, and the strategic miscalculation of relying solely on air power for regime change.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

The escalating West Asia conflict, triggered by a large-scale US-Israel military operation against Iran ('Operation Epic Fury'), has entered a phase of 'no peace, no large-scale war.' The strategic blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, threatening 30% of global oil shipments, has severe implications for global energy security and economic stability, making it a critical case study for geopolitical dynamics.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Conflict Start DateFebruary 28, 2026
Operation NameOperation Epic Fury
Previous Conflict12-day war in June 2025
Strait of Hormuz ImportanceNearly 30% of global oil shipments
Iranian Leader KilledSupreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Conflict Start Date: February 28, 2026
  • ›Operation Name: Operation Epic Fury
  • ›Target this Data: 'Nearly 30% of the world's oil shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz.'
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: The US and Israel as the primary aggressor states in 'Operation Epic Fury'.
  • ›Target this Legal Point: The strategic implications of blockading an international strait, relating to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

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Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Through which major strategic strait does nearly 30% of the world's seaborne oil shipments pass, as mentioned in the context of the Iran conflict?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the West Asia conflict discussed in the article:

1. The large-scale joint military operation 'Operation Epic Fury' was launched by the United States and Israel against Iran.

2. The conflict began on February 28, 2025, escalating from a previous 12-day war in June of the same year.

3. A key Iranian retaliation strategy involves provoking an oil crisis by threatening to blockade the Strait of Hormuz.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the article, on which date did the United States and Israel launch the large-scale joint military operations against Iran, marking the start of the major conflict?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is described as a central symbolic dimension that strengthens Shia resistance against external forces, as mentioned in the analysis of the Iran conflict?

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