CENTCOM Chief: ‘Iran Has Suffered a Generational Military Defeat’ — 40-Year Military Build-Up ‘Crushed in Under 40 Days’

U.S. Central Command Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said Thursday the United States has achieved its core military objectives under Operation Epic Fury, declaring Iran “has suffered a generational military defeat” after its more than four-decade military buildup was systematically destroyed in under 40 days.

Providing an update as a fragile ceasefire takes hold, Cooper said U.S. forces dismantled the Iranian regime’s ability to project power beyond its borders, adding, “We set out to dismantle” that capability “and we clearly accomplished this task.”

He said Iran’s conventional military — “built over 40 years at the cost of billions of dollars” — “has been eliminated,” describing the campaign as a decisive blow to Tehran’s military infrastructure.

“Our core strategic military objectives have been achieved after destroying Iran’s missile, drone, and naval capabilities, and their defensive industrial base,” Cooper added, outlining what he characterized as a comprehensive