US Says ‘Operation Epic Fury’ Has Hit Nearly 2,000 Targets In Iran, Destroyed 17 Warships

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM/TEHRAN (Worthy News) – The United States says it has struck nearly 2,000 targets across Iran and destroyed at least 17 Iranian naval vessels, including a submarine, as part of the widening military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury, launched together with Israel against the Islamic Republic.

Speaking in a video message reviewed by Worthy News, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper described the campaign as an unprecedented effort to dismantle Iran’s military capabilities.

“By order of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, our military in the Middle East is undertaking an unprecedented operation to eliminate Iran’s ability to threaten Americans,” Cooper explained.

He began his remarks by expressing condolences for U.S. casualties in the conflict.

“I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families and teammates of the extraordinary Americans who have been killed in action,” Cooper noted, adding that U.S. forces were also praying for a “speedy recovery for the wounded.” U.S. officials say six American service members were killed and several others were wounded in an Iranian missile strike on a military facility in Kuwait earlier in the conflict.

UNPRECEDENTED SCALE OF OPERATION

Reflecting on the scale of the operation, Cooper stressed that the campaign was unlike anything he had seen during his long career. “Having spent more than 36 years in the military, I could not be prouder of America’s sons and daughters in uniform who are answering the call,” he added.

According to Cooper, the operation involves more than 50,000 U.S. troops, roughly 200 fighter aircraft, two aircraft carriers and long-range bombers, representing what officials describe as the largest U.S. military buildup in the Middle East in a generation.

In the opening phase of the campaign, U.S. and Israeli forces delivered what the commander called “overwhelming and unprecedented strikes” across Iran.

Cooper said that within the first 100 hours of combat, forces had already struck nearly 2,000 targets using more than 2,000 munitions, destroying missile sites, air-defense systems, and command centers.

STRIKES ACROSS IRAN

Other U.S. media have also reported that the joint U.S.-Israeli campaign has struck roughly 2,000 targets and significantly weakened Iran’s missile and air-defense infrastructure.

Cooper said the strikes were aimed primarily at eliminating Iran’s ability to launch attacks against U.S. forces and allies.

“In simple terms, we’re focused on shooting all the things that can shoot at us,” he remarked.

Long-range B-2, B-1, and B-52 bombers have carried out strikes on missile facilities deep inside Iran, while naval forces launched cruise missiles against command centers and radar installations.

IRANIAN NAVY DEVASTATED

Cooper added that the campaign has also targeted Iran’s naval forces operating in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters.

“Thus far, we’ve destroyed 17 Iranian ships, including their most operational submarine,” he stated.

“Today there is not a single Iranian ship underway in the Arabian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, or the Gulf of Oman,” Cooper said.

The strikes were aimed at preventing further attacks on international shipping routes, which U.S. officials say Iran has threatened for decades.

IRAN RETALIATES AND WARNS

Iran has responded with large-scale missile and drone attacks across the region.

According to CENTCOM, Tehran has launched more than 500 ballistic missiles and over 2,000 drones targeting Israel, U.S. military positions, and allied facilities.

Iranian officials condemned the strikes as illegal aggression.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry described the U.S.-Israeli campaign as “illegal and unjustified aggression,” warning that Tehran reserves the right to retaliate under international law.

WAR ENTERS NEW PHASE

Despite the retaliation, Cooper suggested Iran’s military capabilities are rapidly weakening.

“Our combat power is building,” he said. “My overall operational assessment is that we are ahead of our game plan.”

He added that U.S. and Israeli forces are continuing to hunt Iran’s remaining mobile missile launchers while maintaining dominance over Iranian airspace.

“Operationally, the two most powerful air forces in the world — the United States and Israel — are dominating the skies,” Cooper concluded.

The campaign, he cautioned, is still unfolding. “We’ve just begun.”

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