The United States and Israel have intensified their joint military campaign against Iran, as the conflict expands across the region and triggers fresh security alerts from Lebanon to the Gulf.

President Donald Trump said Operation Epic Fury will continue with what he described as "large-scale" and "unyielding" military action, aimed at destroying Iran’s ballistic missile program, crippling its navy and ensuring the country can never obtain a nuclear weapon.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said U.S. forces are ahead of schedule and vowed the United States would "easily prevail".

He also warned that any further Iranian retaliation would be met with unprecedented force.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the next phase of strikes will be "more punishing," adding that Iran has already suffered significant damage but that the "hardest hits are yet to come".

Rubio argued the president did not require congressional approval for the strikes, saying the administration complied with federal notification requirements and does not consider the War Powers Act binding.

The Pentagon confirmed that U.S. forces have conducted hundreds of sorties in recent days, targeting missile sites and naval assets.

U.S. Central Command said B-1 bombers carried out strikes deep inside Iran against ballistic missile capabilities.

CENTCOM also reported that Iranian naval vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman have been reduced to zero over a two-day period.

At the same time, Israel expanded its military operations beyond Iran’s borders.

The Israeli Defense Forces said they killed the head of Hezbollah’s intelligence arm in an overnight strike in Beirut, following rocket and drone launches from Lebanon into Israel.

Lebanon’s government announced it would move to ban Hezbollah’s military activities, stating that decisions of war and peace must rest with the state.

Across the Gulf, regional tensions have escalated sharply.

Bahrain said it intercepted dozens of Iranian missiles and drones targeting its airspace.

Qatar’s defense ministry reported shooting down Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones before they reached their targets.

Kuwait confirmed that three U.S. fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses in a friendly fire incident during active combat operations; all six American pilots ejected safely and were recovered.

U.S. Central Command also confirmed that four American service members have been killed since the operation began, including one who later died of injuries sustained during Iran’s initial counterattacks.

Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department and U.S. embassies in the region have urged Americans abroad to shelter in place, enroll in emergency alert programs and avoid large gatherings amid reports of missile and drone activity across Iraqi and Gulf airspace.

In Iran, internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported that a nationwide internet blackout has surpassed 60 hours, leaving millions unable to access information or communicate with relatives abroad.

Energy markets are reacting as well.

Analysts say oil prices have already risen, and U.S. drivers could see gasoline prices increase by 25 to 50 cents per gallon in the short term if supply disruptions worsen.

As the military campaign continues, officials in Washington and Jerusalem say their objectives remain focused on dismantling Iran’s missile capabilities and preventing future nuclear development.

However, with cross-border strikes, regional interceptions and mounting casualties, the situation remains volatile and fast-moving across the Middle East.