The U.S. Central Command's top officer, Admiral Brad Cooper, has revealed that the ongoing military operations against Iran have transitioned into a new phase, focusing on preventing the nation from rebuilding its military capabilities.
During a press briefing held in Tampa, Admiral Cooper elaborated on the strategy, which extends beyond merely dismantling existing arsenals. The plan aims to incapacitate the infrastructure that supports the production of new missiles.
Cooper emphasized that President Donald Trump has given a precise directive within this military offensive. "The President has tasked us with another mission: to destroy or dismantle Iran's ballistic missile industrial base," the admiral stated, referencing Trump's order.
The ultimate goal, as Cooper explained, is the permanent elimination of the infrastructure that underpins Iran's weapons program, aiming to disrupt their ability to produce missiles in the future. "We are not just targeting their current assets; we are dismantling their potential for reconstruction," Cooper asserted, highlighting the systematic effort to eradicate Iran's missile production capabilities.
Cooper also provided an update on the battlefield results achieved so far. According to his assessment, there has been a significant reduction in missile attacks launched by Iran since the commencement of the military operation. "Looking back at the past 24 hours compared to our starting point, ballistic missile attacks have decreased by 90%," Cooper noted.
Furthermore, attacks involving drones have seen a substantial decline, dropping by 83%, he added. The admiral also pointed out that allied forces have dealt substantial damage to Iran's naval infrastructure, with more than 30 ships destroyed, demonstrating the military campaign's impact on the country's defensive capabilities.
The statements from the Central Command chief come amid a rising military escalation that is part of a broader operation led by Washington and its regional allies.
President Trump has publicly supported the offensive, asserting that U.S. forces are decisively weakening the Iranian regime. During a White House event honoring Inter Miami CF, he remarked that the military campaign has significantly diminished Iran's operational capacity.
"We are completely dismantling the enemy, much earlier than anticipated and to levels never seen before," Trump declared, referring to the progress of the operations. The president emphasized the profound impact on Iran's military infrastructure, noting that much of the country's defensive systems have been rendered inoperative.
"They have no air force, no air defense; all their planes are gone, their communications are disrupted, their missiles are destroyed, and their launchers are obliterated," he stated, mentioning that approximately 60% of the missiles and 64% of the launchers have been eliminated.
Trump also directed a message to the Iranian armed forces and security personnel, urging them to lay down their arms. "Once again, I urge all members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, the military, and the police to surrender. Continuing to fight will only lead to your demise," he implored.
These comments are set against the backdrop of the military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury, launched on February 28, 2026, by the U.S. and Israel against strategic targets in Iran.
In the initial 72 hours of the offensive, allied forces targeted over 1,700 sites, including nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, Revolutionary Guard installations, air defenses, and naval units.
During the initial bombardments, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, who had ruled since 1989, was killed. His death dealt a significant blow to the regime's command structure, resulting in the elimination of at least 49 high-ranking officials and military commanders, including leaders of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Trump has indicated that the military campaign could extend for several more weeks. He estimated that operations might last four to five weeks, though he cautioned that the timeline could be extended if strategic objectives remain unmet.
The Republican leader made it clear that Washington will not accept a political agreement allowing the regime to maintain power. He recently stated that he would only consider an "unconditional surrender," and outlined a vision for the country's future under the slogan "Make Iran Great Again," promising that the U.S. and its allies will help rebuild Iran's economy once new leadership is established.
As the conflict continues, U.S. military leadership insists that the campaign is progressing toward its strategic goals, now focused on ensuring that Iran cannot recover its military capabilities in the coming years.
Understanding the U.S. Strategy Against Iran
What is the main objective of the U.S. military operations against Iran?
The primary goal is to prevent Iran from rebuilding its military capabilities by targeting its missile production infrastructure and existing arsenals.
How has the military campaign impacted Iran's offensive capabilities?
The campaign has significantly reduced Iran's missile and drone attacks, with ballistic missile strikes down by 90% and drone attacks reduced by 83%.
What message has President Trump conveyed to Iranian forces?
President Trump has urged members of the Iranian military and security forces to surrender, warning that continued resistance will lead to their destruction.