04.03.2026 05:40
The war between the US-Israel and Iran has entered its 5th day. CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated regarding the Epic Fury Operation conducted against Iran, "In less than 100 hours, we have struck approximately 2,000 targets with over 2,000 munitions. We have significantly weakened Iran's air defense." Iran, in retaliation to the US and Israeli attacks, announced that more than 500 ballistic missiles and over 2,000 drones have been launched.
As the war that began between the US-Israel and Iran intensifies on its fifth day, mutual attacks have brought the tension in the Middle East to a critical point. While the US and Israel continue extensive operations against military targets in Iran, Tehran has also increased its retaliations with ballistic missiles and drones.
"AN UNPRECEDENTED OPERATION"
Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), made statements regarding the Epic Fury Operation against Iran. Cooper stated that the US forces in the Middle East are conducting an unprecedented operation aimed at eliminating Iran's military capacity, which has threatened Americans for nearly half a century, saying, "More than 50,000 soldiers, 200 fighter jets, 2 aircraft carriers, and bombers from the US are participating in the operation. Additional capabilities are on the way."
Emphasizing that this military force represents the largest military buildup in the region in a generation, Cooper said, "In the first hours of the operation, CENTCOM forces, together with Israel, carried out overwhelming and unprecedented attacks against Iran. Those who remember the 'Shock and Awe' operation in 2003 will note that the first 24 hours of this operation were nearly twice its scale."
"WE ARE HITTING EVERYTHING THAT CAN TARGET US"
Cooper stated that they are maintaining an uninterrupted assault from underwater, to space, and cyber attacks, saying, "In less than 100 hours, we have struck approximately 2,000 targets with more than 2,000 munitions. We have severely weakened Iran's air defense; we have destroyed hundreds of ballistic missiles, launch pads, and drones. Simply put, we are hitting everything that can target us."
"WE HAVE DESTROYED 17 IRANIAN SHIPS"
Highlighting that US bombers are also supporting the operation, Cooper said, "Our B-2 and B-1 bombers conducted precision strikes against missile facilities deep in Iran. Last night, B-52s targeted ballistic missile command and control points." He also reported that they are targeting the Iranian navy, stating, "So far, we have destroyed 17 ships, including the most important submarines in operational status that have sustained heavy damage. The Iranian regime, which has harassed international maritime transport for decades, has no ships sailing in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, or Gulf of Oman today."
RETALIATION WITH 500 BALLISTIC MISSILES FROM IRAN
While Admiral Brad Cooper's statements have resonated widely in the public, the Tehran administration did not delay in responding to this move. Iran announced that in retaliation for the US and Israeli attacks, more than 500 ballistic missiles and over 2,000 drones have been launched.