CENTCOM Chief: 8K+ Iranian Targets Hit, 130 Vessels Destroyed — ‘Largest Elimination of a Navy Since WWII’

U.S. forces have struck more than 8,000 Iranian military targets and destroyed 130 vessels — marking the “largest elimination of a navy over a three-week period since World War II” — as Iran’s combat capability declines and U.S. forces remain “zeroed in” on dismantling its ability to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. Central Command commander Adm. Brad Cooper.

Providing his fourth operational update on Operation Epic Fury as the war entered its 22nd day, Cooper said U.S. forces remain “on plan to eliminate Iran’s ability to project meaningful power outside its borders.”

Speaking Saturday, Cooper detailed the scale of the campaign, stating, “So far, we’ve struck over 8,000 military targets, including 130 Iranian vessels,” calling it the most rapid destruction of a naval force over a three-week period since World War II.

U.S. military strikes have systematically dismantled key elements of Iran’s military,