Sarah Harte: Pete Hegseth is like a manic clown compared to sober Colin Powell

Operation Epic Fury brings to mind previous US campaigns in the Gulf — but this time, any pretence at respect for life and dignity is gone

When Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US is "always controlling the throttle" and not being directed by Israel, you immediately wonder. Picture: AP/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

The opening phases of the hyperbolically named ‘Operation Epic Fury’ (like something out of a Mad Max movie) had echoes of the ‘shock and awe’ beginning of ‘Operation Desert Storm’. 

With its use of intense, high-volume aerial bombing campaigns and air power pounding targets in Iran.