The commander of U.S. Central Command on Tuesday released a new operational update on Operation Epic Fury, outlining the scale of the ongoing U.S.-led military campaign targeting Iranian missile systems, naval assets, and military infrastructure.
In a video message posted by CENTCOM on X, Adm. Brad Cooper said the operation is now in its fourth day and involves a massive concentration of U.S. forces across the region.
Update from CENTCOM Commander on Operation Epic Fury: pic.twitter.com/epEohq64Vf
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 3, 2026
The update comes as U.S. and Israeli forces continue a fast-moving military campaign against Iran following several days of escalating conflict across the region. Operation Epic Fury has quickly developed into one of the largest American military deployments in the Middle East in years, with air, naval, and missile forces now operating across multiple theaters.
“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 said.
Cooper began his remarks by outlining the scope of the American military presence now involved in the operation.
More than 50,000 U.S. troops, roughly 200 fighter aircraft, two aircraft carrier strike groups, and long-range bomber forces are now participating in the campaign, according to CENTCOM.
“These forces bring a massive amount of firepower, representing the largest buildup by the U.S. in the Middle East in a generation.”
According to Cooper, the operation began with an immediate wave of coordinated strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure.
“In the opening hours of Operation Epic Fury, U.S. Central Command forces, together with Israel, delivered overwhelming and unprecedented strikes into Iran.”
He also compared the opening phase of the campaign to one of the most recognizable benchmarks in modern American warfare.
The operation is now approaching the 100-hour mark and has already produced thousands of strikes across Iran.
CENTCOM says forces have hit nearly 2,000 targets using more than 2,000 munitions across Iranian territory, including missile launch facilities, air defense systems, command sites, and drone infrastructure used to target U.S. forces and regional allies.
“We have severely degraded Iran’s air defenses and destroyed hundreds of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers and drones. In simple terms, we’re focused on shooting all the things that can shoot at us.”
Those strikes have included long-range missions deep inside Iranian territory.
Strategic bombers have targeted missile facilities and command infrastructure, a sign that the campaign is aimed at degrading Iran’s ability to continue launching attacks.
“Our B-2 bombers and B-1 bombers have executed uncontested surgical strikes against multiple missile facilities deep inside Iran. Just last night, a B-52 bomber force struck ballistic missile and command and control posts.”
The operation has also expanded into maritime operations targeting Iran’s naval forces in the region.
He also noted that U.S. forces are sinking Iranian naval vessels, adding that 17 Iranian ships have already been destroyed, including what he described as the country’s most operational submarine
Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks of its own, though the CENTCOM commander suggested those strikes have had diminishing effectiveness.
According to Cooper, Iran has launched more than 500 ballistic missiles and over 2,000 drones since the conflict escalated.
“Iran is indiscriminately targeting civilians as they launch these missiles and drones. The evidence is crystal clear and overwhelming.”
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Even so, U.S. commanders say the broader trajectory of the campaign appears to be shifting.
Iran’s ability to successfully strike American and allied targets is declining, according to Cooper, even as U.S. combat power in the region continues to build.
“We are seeing Iran’s ability to hit us and our partners declining, while our combat power, on the other hand, is building. My overall operational assessment is that we are ahead of our game plan.”
The campaign is still ongoing, and Cooper made clear that U.S. forces remain focused on eliminating Iran’s remaining missile launch capabilities.
“Our military objectives are crystal clear. Our people are executing an immensely complex and historic mission with relentless lethality, conviction, and professionalism.”
The message from CENTCOM is straightforward. The operation is continuing, the target list is shrinking, and U.S. forces intend to keep pressing the fight until Iran’s ability to launch those attacks is gone.
Editor’s Note: For decades, former presidents have been all talk and no action. Now, Donald Trump is eliminating the threat from Iran once and for all.
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