A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer aerial refuels with a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker while on a night-time mission during Operation Epic Fury. (U.S. Air Force photo)
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – The United States has surpassed 10,000 strikes on Iranian targets since launching Operation Epic Fury on Feb. 28, marking a major milestone in the ongoing military campaign, according to U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command.
In an operational update, Cooper said U.S. forces are “on plan or ahead of plan” in dismantling Iran’s ability to project power beyond its borders. He emphasized that sustained precision strikes have overwhelmed Iranian air defenses and significantly reduced Tehran’s offensive capabilities.
According to U.S. assessments, roughly 92% of Iran’s largest naval vessels have been rendered inoperable, while missile and drone launch rates have dropped by more than 90%. Additionally, more than two-thirds of Iran’s missile, drone, and naval production infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. U.S. forces have maintained air superiority throughout the campaign, conducting over 10,000 combat sorties.
Cooper praised the role of long-range bombers and the more than 50,000 U.S. troops involved, calling their efforts a demonstration of “courage and resilience.”
Despite the setbacks, Iran has continued retaliatory strikes across the region. Missile and drone attacks have struck Israeli cities and U.S. and allied facilities, killing at least nine Israeli civilians in one early barrage and injuring more than 4,000 people overall. U.S. officials report at least 13 American service members killed and over 200 wounded, most of whom have returned to duty.
The conflict has also triggered a major disruption in global energy markets. Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz have effectively halted much of the shipping through the critical waterway, through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes. Vessel traffic initially dropped by about 70%, at times nearing a complete standstill.
At least a dozen commercial ships have been damaged, and one vessel was sunk, prompting global shipping firms to reroute and driving war-risk insurance costs sharply higher. Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel, with peaks reaching approximately $126 amid fears of prolonged disruption.
While U.S. officials maintain that Iran’s military capabilities are rapidly degrading, the conflict continues to exact a toll across the region, with ongoing risks to civilians, global commerce, and energy stability.
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