The United States Central Command said Iran is losing its ability to respond to recent US and Israeli strikes. A senior American commander gave this assessment as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to grow.
Iran’s Strike Capability Weakens
On Wednesday, Admiral Brad Cooper said Iran’s ability to hit American and allied targets is “declining”.
He said Iran has fired more than 500 ballistic missiles and launched over 2,000 drones. However, US forces have struck many of Iran’s missile launchers. These attacks have reduced Iran’s ability to fire more weapons. Cooper called it a “lingering launch capability”.
“We are seeing Iran’s ability to hit us, and our partners, is declining, while our combat power, on the other hand, is building. And my overall operational assessment is that we are ahead of our game plan,” said Cooper.
His statement shows that US commanders believe their strategy is working and that they hold the upper hand.
US Expands Military Operations
US forces have carried out large-scale strikes across Iran. Cooper said American forces have hit nearly 2,000 targets since Saturday. They have also destroyed 17 Iranian naval vessels, including a submarine.
He confirmed that a major US force is involved in the campaign.
“More than 50,000 troops, 200 fighters, two aircraft carriers, and bombers from the United States are participating in this operation, and more capability is on the way,” Cooper said.
The US has deployed strong military assets in the region. It may expand the operation further.
Trump Hints at Bigger Strike
US President Donald Trump said a larger wave of attacks could follow. He indicated that a third round of US strikes against Iran would be the biggest so far.
His remarks suggest the conflict may intensify in the coming days.
White House Pushes Weapons Production
The Trump administration plans to meet top defence company executives at the White House on Friday. According to Reuters, companies such as Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies will attend.
Officials want defence firms to increase weapons production. The Pentagon aims to refill stockpiles after heavy use of munitions in Iran and in the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
Despite this push, Trump said earlier this week that the US has a “virtually unlimited supply” of US munitions and that “wars can be fought “forever.”
Iran Targets US Missions in Gulf
Iran has increased attacks on American diplomatic sites in the Gulf.
Late Tuesday, a drone strike caused a fire near the US consulate in Dubai. The Dubai Media Office said on X, “Dubai authorities have confirmed that a fire resulting from a drone-related incident near the US Consulate has been successfully contained.”
In Saudi Arabia, the Embassy of the United States in Riyadh was hit by two drones early Tuesday. The strike caused a small fire.
Tensions Remain High
US military leaders say Iran’s ability to strike back is weakening. US strikes have damaged its missile systems and naval forces. However, fighting continues. Both sides are still carrying out attacks across the region. The situation remains tense and could escalate further.