Operation Epic Fury Update
During a briefing on Thursday, Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of U.S. Central Command, stated that the U.S. has met key military objectives under Operation Epic Fury. He claimed that Iran has faced a “military defeat of a generation,” noting that decades of military buildup were essentially dismantled in under 40 days.
With a fragile ceasefire currently in effect, Cooper shared that U.S. forces have effectively diminished Iran’s ability to exert influence outside its borders. He asserted, “We set out to dismantle that capability, and we clearly accomplished this mission.”
He emphasized that Iran’s conventional military, built at a significant financial cost over 40 years, has been largely “decommissioned.” He described the operation as a substantial setback for Tehran’s military framework.
“After eradicating Iran’s missiles, drones, naval capacities, and defense industrial resources, we achieved our core strategic military aims,” Cooper elaborated, presenting the effort as a comprehensive dismantling of Iran’s war capabilities.
Cooper noted the extensive scale of the operation, stating that more than 13,000 strikes were carried out against Iranian military sites along with “thousands of” combat missions.
“In less than 40 days, Iran lost an army that took over four decades to build,” he remarked, praising U.S. soldiers for executing a swift and decisive victory.
He mentioned that over 50,000 U.S. personnel participated in the operation, labeling it a mission with “grave consequences,” while also noting that the force “exceeded” all initial expectations set out before the operation began.
Cooper highlighted that although offensive operations are currently paused due to the ceasefire agreement, U.S. forces remain active and prepared across the region.
He stated, “We remain present, we remain alert, and we remain ready when called upon,” reiterating that U.S. military forces are committed to working closely with regional allies to uphold “the world’s most sophisticated and largest active air defense umbrella.”
This update coincided with President Trump’s remarks on Truth Social late Wednesday, asserting that U.S. troops will remain “in and around Iran” until what he called the “real deal” is fully enacted.
“All American ships, aircraft, and military personnel…remain in place,” Trump said, cautioning that failure to comply with agreements could lead to a “gunfight” unlike any seen before.
Trump expressed his goal of achieving a “nuclear-free” zone and ensuring the safety of the Strait of Hormuz. He also indicated ongoing military readiness, suggesting that forces are “resting loaded” for future operations.
Cooper wrapped up by honoring the 13 U.S. service members who lost their lives during Operation Epic Fury, promising that their sacrifices would be “forever remembered.” He praised their “selfless service and dedication,” considering it a lasting legacy for the future.
“Our men and women in uniform represent the best of America,” he reflected. “I could not be more proud and humbled to serve alongside them.”
These comments come amid a tentative but active U.S.-brokered ceasefire, with military leaders emphasizing that while combat operations are on hold, U.S. forces are prepared to act if circumstances change on the ground.
