Who Are the Heroes in the Iran War?

My VIPs for this week are the men and women who put themselves between their home country and the people who threaten to destroy their nations. At this particular time, it is the airmen and the sailors, along with all their support personnel, who are in harm’s way as they drop bombs and shoot down missiles and drones.

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran in Operation Epic Fury. The purpose is to destroy their ballistic missiles and make it impossible for Iran to continue their reign of terror with nuclear power.

This is not the start of a new war because Iran has been at war with the US since 1979. Their favorite refrain is “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.” They call the US the “Big Satan” and Israel the “Little Satan.” The US hopes to end the 47-year war in this operation.

Within the opening minutes of the attack, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed along with 48 of the top Iranian leaders. They were gathered for a meeting in person because they did not trust electronic meetings. Six US personnel have died during the operation.

According to an article by Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell, the Iranian people will choose their new leader. President Donald Trump’s key objective for the operation is to ensure that Iran never gains the ability to have a nuclear weapon. He also wants the Iranian people to have an opportunity to shape the destiny of their country.

The USA and Israel were alone in the attack until Iran shot missiles into neighboring countries. Following the initiation of the operation by the US and Israel, multiple nations have joined the effort. 

… The United States has used military bases in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and possibly Israel to support its air campaign against Iranian targets, with bases in all these targets having come under attack….

Iranian ballistic missile strikes have been responded to with intense missile defence operations by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, which have employed their own air defence systems to protect U.S. bases and other targets from Iranian strikes, making them direct participants in the war effort….

In addition to the US, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait, the United Kingdom and France have joined the war effort. Spain has refused to allow US fighter jets to use air bases there.