Washington, March 26, 2026 – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces have struck more than 10,000 military targets inside Iran since the launch of Operation Epic Fury last month. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper shared the update in a video statement posted on X on Wednesday, highlighting the operation’s significant progress as it enters its fourth week.
In his latest briefing, Admiral Cooper stated that U.S. forces continue to maintain complete air superiority over Iranian skies while intensifying precision strikes across the country. The campaign, which began on February 28 at the direction of President Donald Trump, aims to dismantle Iran’s ability to project military power and threaten international shipping, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Admiral Cooper, the results have been substantial. Ninety-two percent of Iran’s largest naval vessels have been destroyed, effectively neutralizing the country’s capacity to challenge maritime security in the Persian Gulf region. Iran’s missile and drone launch rates have plummeted by more than 90%, sharply reducing its ability to attack U.S. forces and regional allies.
Furthermore, over two-thirds of Iran’s missile, drone, and naval production facilities, along with ᴀssociated shipyards, have been damaged or completely destroyed. This degradation severely limits Tehran’s ability to rebuild or replenish its military capabilities in the near term. The strikes have focused not only on frontline ᴀssets but also on the broader military manufacturing infrastructure that sustains Iran’s offensive potential.
U.S. forces have conducted more than 10,000 combat flights during the operation. These missions include long-range strikes by B-52 bombers, each capable of delivering up to 70,000 pounds of munitions. The sustained air campaign has combined fighter jets, carrier-based aviation, tankers for extended reach, and precision-guided weapons to hit targets in real time.
Admiral Cooper emphasized that Iran’s overall combat capability is in steady decline as U.S. offensive operations continue to ramp up. “Our progress is obvious,” he noted, adding that the goal remains to eliminate Iran’s capacity to threaten freedom of navigation and regional stability.
The operation has involved coordinated efforts with regional partners, who have helped defend against Iranian drone attacks through an integrated air and missile defense network. Recent actions have also included strikes on hardened underground facilities along Iran’s coastline that stored anti-ship missiles and equipment intended to disrupt commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
As the campaign moves deeper into its fourth week, CENTCOM reports that U.S. military strength in the theater continues to grow while Iranian forces face mounting losses. Admiral Cooper praised the performance of American aircrews and ground support personnel, describing their efforts as exceptional.
Operation Epic Fury reflects a determined U.S. strategy to neutralize long-standing Iranian threats through overwhelming firepower and sustained pressure. With over 10,000 targets already struck, the operation has significantly degraded Iran’s naval, missile, and production capabilities, setting the stage for further actions if necessary to achieve lasting security in the region.
