Washington, March 26, 2026 – US Central Command (CENTCOM) Chief Admiral Brad Cooper announced on Wednesday that American forces have struck over 10,000 military targets inside Iran since the launch of Operation Epic Fury last month. In a video statement posted on X, Cooper revealed that the US had hit its 10,000th target just hours earlier, calling the achievement a significant milestone in the ongoing campaign.
Cooper emphasized that the total impact was even greater when combined with strikes carried out by Israel. “Together, we have struck thousands more, clearly demonstrating that we’re stronger together,” he said.
The four-week-old operation has delivered devastating blows to Iran’s military infrastructure. Admiral Cooper stated that the US has destroyed 92 percent of Iran’s largest naval vessels, effectively eliminating Tehran’s ability to project naval power in the region and beyond. “My operational ᴀssessment is that they have now lost the ability to meaningfully project naval power and influence around the region and around the world,” he declared.
Iran’s missile and drone capabilities have also suffered mᴀssive degradation. According to Cooper, Iranian drone and missile launch rates have dropped by more than 90 percent. In addition, strikes have destroyed or heavily damaged two-thirds of Iran’s missile, drone, and naval production facilities, severely limiting the country’s capacity to rebuild its arsenal.
The US Air Force has conducted more than 10,000 combat flights during the campaign, maintaining complete dominance over Iranian airspace. These missions have included long-range strikes by B-52 bombers and precision attacks on high-value targets across the country.
Admiral Cooper highlighted several key successes of the operation. Beyond the destruction of naval ᴀssets and production sites, the sustained air campaign has significantly weakened Iran’s overall combat effectiveness. He noted that US forces continue to intensify pressure while keeping air superiority unchallenged.
“I just could not be prouder of our troops, and I know the American people share that pride,” Cooper concluded in his video message.
The announcement comes as Operation Epic Fury enters its fourth week. The campaign was launched to neutralize Iran’s ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and to reduce its broader military threat to the region. With over 10,000 US strikes already completed and additional Israeli operations factored in, the combined effort has dealt a severe blow to Iran’s naval, missile, and manufacturing infrastructure.
CENTCOM’s update reflects growing confidence in the operation’s progress. While diplomatic channels remain active, the military pressure continues to mount, aimed at forcing Iran toward a resolution that ensures long-term stability in the Middle East.
As global markets and regional actors closely monitor developments, the scale of the strikes underscores the intensity of the US-led campaign and its determination to achieve decisive results.
