The Pentagon, State Department, and USAID’s inspectors general will begin a comprehensive review of Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military’s war against Iran, as mandated by law.Department of War Inspector General Platte Moring was appointed to serve as the lead inspector general for the agencies’ oversight of Operation Epic Fury on May 12, the War Department’s Inspector General’s office announced on Wednesday. He has since appointed Arne Baker, the acting State Department inspector general, to serve as the associate lead for the review, and they are working to develop a joint strategic oversight plan. The goal, according to the War Department’s inspector general announcement, is to produce the first quarterly report on the Iran war this fall.
“This Lead Inspector General designation not only follows the framework required in the IG Act, it also reflects the extensive experience of the DoW OIG with comprehensive oversight of overseas contingency operations,” Inspector General Moring said. “We are collaborating closely with our colleagues to promote accountability and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”
This review is mandated by the Inspector General Act, which requires the appointment of a lead inspector general when a military operation lasts longer than 60 days. It is unrelated to the 60-day War Powers Resolution, which requires Congress to either authorize military operations or force the president to begin shutting down U.S. participation in the war after 60 days from the time the president informs Congress of the hostilities.
