US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper has provided a significant update regarding the ongoing military operations against Iranian military assets. According to official statements, US bomber forces have successfully struck approximately 200 strategic targets deep inside Iran within the last 72 hours. These actions are part of 'Operation Epic Fury', a concentrated military campaign designed to neutralize Iran's offensive capabilities and dismantle its long-term military infrastructure. Admiral Cooper emphasized that these strikes have Importantly impaired Iran's ability to launch further attacks.
Background of the Conflict and Escalation
The current military escalation follows a joint US-Israeli operation on February 28, which resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In the aftermath of that strike, Iran initiated a series of drone and ballistic missile attacks targeting US military installations across several Arab nations, while in response, the United States launched 'Operation Epic Fury' to systematically degrade Iran's military apparatus. Military officials state that the operation has now transitioned into a phase focused on total industrial neutralization.
Details of Operation Epic Fury and B-2 Deployment
During a press briefing on Thursday, Admiral Cooper detailed the tactical specifics of the operation. He revealed that US Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bombers have been deployed to strike high-value targets. Within the last hour alone, these bombers dropped dozens of 2000-pound penetrator munitions. These specialized bombs are engineered to reach deeply buried ballistic missile launchers and reinforced concrete bunkers. The Admiral noted that the US bomber force is operating with high precision, reaching targets located deep within Iranian territory that were previously considered secure by the Iranian military.
Impact on Iranian Offensive Capabilities
Data provided by CENTCOM indicates a sharp decline in Iran's operational capacity following the sustained aerial campaign. Admiral Cooper reported that when comparing the last 24 hours to the start of the operation, Iranian ballistic missile attacks have plummeted by 90%. On top of that, drone-based offensive operations have seen an 83% reduction. The maritime sector has also sustained heavy losses, with over 30 Iranian vessels reportedly destroyed. These figures, according to military officials, demonstrate the effectiveness of the current strategy in suppressing Iranian retaliatory measures.
Strategic Mandate from President Donald Trump
Admiral Cooper highlighted a specific mandate received from President Donald Trump regarding the scope of the mission, while he stated that the President has tasked the military with the total destruction of Iran's ballistic missile industry. The objective extends beyond merely destroying existing stockpiles; it aims to eliminate the manufacturing and production infrastructure. By targeting factories, assembly lines, and research facilities, the US military intends to ensure that Iran can't rebuild its missile capabilities in the foreseeable future. The systematic dismantling of this industrial base is currently underway.
Regional Security and Future Military Objectives
According to CENTCOM, the military campaign will continue until the Iranian missile production capability is entirely neutralized. Admiral Cooper reiterated that the focus is on destroying the capacity to rebuild, rather than just the weapons currently in possession. US intelligence is actively identifying clandestine sites involved in the production of missile components. Officials maintain that these measures are necessary to ensure regional stability and to protect US personnel and allies from further aggression in the Middle East.