CENTCOM says operations are meeting objectives as Iranian retaliation continues to impact regional security and global markets.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The U.S. military has surpassed 10,000 strikes in its ongoing campaign against Iran, marking a significant operational milestone as the conflict approaches its fourth week.
In an update shared publicly, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commander U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper said American forces have conducted more than 10,000 strikes since the launch of Operation Epic Fury on Feb. 28. He stated the campaign remains “on plan or ahead of plan” in efforts aimed at reducing Iran’s capacity to project military power beyond its borders.
Cooper said U.S. precision operations have “overwhelmed Iranian air defenses” and produced “tangible effects,” adding that sustained combat flights over Iranian territory are degrading Tehran’s ability to carry out attacks against U.S. forces and regional allies.
According to the update, the campaign has significantly impacted Iran’s military infrastructure. Cooper reported that approximately 92 percent of Iran’s largest naval vessels are no longer operational, while launch rates for drones and missiles have declined by more than 90 percent. He also stated that over two-thirds of Iran’s missile, drone and naval production facilities, along with shipyards, have been damaged or destroyed.
U.S. forces have maintained air superiority throughout the operation and have flown more than 10,000 combat sorties, Cooper said. He credited long-range bomber missions, including those carried out by B-52 aircraft, and the involvement of more than 50,000 U.S. personnel, describing their performance as demonstrating “the courage and resilience” of service members.
Despite these reported gains, Iran has continued to mount retaliatory attacks across the region. Missile and drone strikes have targeted Israeli territory as well as U.S. and allied positions in the Middle East. Multiple barrages have struck residential areas and infrastructure in Israel, with one early attack on March 1 reported to have killed at least nine civilians. Thousands of injuries have been recorded, with totals exceeding 4,000.
Iranian strikes have also affected U.S. bases and diplomatic facilities in Gulf states, including incidents involving drone impacts that caused minor structural damage to U.S. Embassy buildings. Regional airspace has been repeatedly traversed by incoming projectiles during these attacks.
U.S. casualty figures have increased as the conflict has progressed. By mid-March, officials reported at least 13 American service members killed and approximately 232 wounded. More than 200 of those injured have since returned to duty. Earlier in the campaign, confirmed fatalities had been reported at six before subsequent updates revised the total.
The conflict has also disrupted global energy markets and maritime activity, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for international oil and gas shipments. Following warnings issued by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, commercial shipping traffic through the strait sharply declined, at times dropping by roughly 70 percent and in some periods nearly halting entirely.
At least 12 merchant vessels have sustained damage in the broader crisis, and one tugboat has been reported sunk. The disruption has affected an estimated one-fifth of the world’s daily oil supply, along with substantial volumes of liquefied natural gas, prompting major shipping companies to suspend operations or reroute cargo through longer alternative routes.
Energy markets have responded to the instability, with Brent crude oil prices rising above $100 per barrel and peaking near $126 during the period of heightened disruption. Increased war-risk insurance costs and logistical challenges have contributed to broader impacts on global supply chains and inflation in energy-dependent economies.
While U.S. military officials maintain that the campaign is reducing Iran’s operational capabilities and limiting its ability to conduct offensive actions, ongoing retaliatory strikes continue to result in casualties and infrastructure damage across the region.
CENTCOM officials have stated that operations remain ongoing, with U.S. forces maintaining air dominance and continuing to target remaining elements of Iran’s military infrastructure.
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