The US has struck nearly 2,000 Iranian targets in the first 100 hours of Operation Epic Fury as military officials vowed to continue striking the regime “from seabed to space and cyberspace.”
More than 50,000 American troops have been deployed as part of the “largest military buildup” in the Middle East in a generation, according to US Navy Adm. Brad Cooper.
“By order of the president of the United States and secretary of war, our military in the Middle East has undertaken an unprecedented operation to eliminate Iran’s ability to threaten Americans as they’ve been doing nearly half a century,” Cooper said in a video posted to X on Tuesday.
The US has deployed more than 50,000 troops along with 200 fighter jets, two aircraft carriers and an undisclosed number of bombers since “Operation Epic Fury” started on Saturday.
US Navy Adm. Brad Cooper gives an update on Operation Epic Fury on March 4, 2026. @CENTCOM/X“These forces bring a massive amount of firepower, representing the largest buildup by the US in the Middle East in a generation,” Cooper said.
“Many of you may remember the shock and awe of the strikes of 2003. The first 24 hours of this operation were literally doubled the scale, and we continue with 24/7 strikes into Iran from seabed to space and cyberspace,” he added.
Nearly 2,000 Iranian targets were struck in the first 100 hours of the joint operation with Israel, with the US firing over 2,000 munitions.
Cooper said the US has “severely diminished” Iranian air defenses and destroyed hundreds of ballistic missiles, launchers and drones.
“In simple terms, we’re shooting all the things that can shoot at us,” he said.
An Iranian facility is targeted by the US and Israel on Feb. 28, 2026. US Central Command (CENTCOM)/AFP via Getty Images
An Iranian launcher targeted by US forces during Operation Epic Fury. U.S. Central CommandAmerican forces have utilized their various bombers, including the B-2s, B-1s and B-52s, with operations “deep inside Iran.”
At least 17 Iranian ships and a submarine were struck by the US.
“We are also sinking the Iranian Navy, the entire navy, thus far” Cooper said.
No Iranian-flagged ships have been located in the waters of the Middle East after the operation was launched.
“We will not stop, we will continue to conduct dynamic targeting operations. We’re hunting Iran’s last remaining mobile ballistic missile launchers, to eliminate what, I would characterize, is their lingering launch capabilities,” Cooper said.
Nearly 2,000 Iranian targets were struck in the first 100 hours of the joint operation with Israel, with the US firing over 2,000 munitions. @CENTCOM/XAn Iranian retaliatory strike killed six US service members in a drone attack on Kuwait’s Port Shuaiba on Sunday.
Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Florida.; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Nebraska.; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of Minnesota; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, Iowa, were identified as four of the six killed in the strike.
Other Iranian attacks have targeted US bases around the Middle East and on Tuesday, the US Consulate in Dubai was hit by an Iranian drone.
“To be clear, Iran is indiscriminately targeting civilians, as they launch these missiles and drones,” Cooper said. “You’ve seen it on TV, the evidence is crystal clear and overwhelming.”
The US Central Command leader said Iran’s ability to strike the US was diminishing because the continued attacks on its military infrastructure.
“My overall operational assessment is that we are ahead of our gameplan,” Cooper said.
