U.S. Says It Has Dealt Major Blow to Iran's Ability to Inflict Harm

Iran's air defenses, ballistic missile capabilities, and naval forces have been "severely degraded," says U.S. commander.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The U.S. military has launched an "unprecedented operation" against Iran, hitting nearly 2,000 targets with over 2,000 munitions. U.S. CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said the strikes have severely degraded Iran's air defenses, destroyed hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones, and sunk the entire Iranian navy. The U.S. is now providing military convoys to ensure the free flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz.

Why it matters

The U.S. offensive against Iran represents a major escalation in tensions between the two countries. The strikes are aimed at crippling Iran's ability to threaten U.S. forces and interests in the region, as well as disrupt global energy supplies. However, the unilateral action by the U.S. has sparked political debate, with Democrats pushing for Congressional approval before further combat operations.

The details

According to Adm. Cooper, the U.S. and Israel have delivered "overwhelming and unprecedented strikes" against Iran, nearly doubling the scale of the initial U.S. offensive against Iraq in 2003. The strikes have targeted Iran's air defenses, ballistic missiles, launchers, drones, and naval forces. U.S. bombers have conducted "surgical strikes" against missile facilities deep inside Iran without facing resistance.

  • The U.S. offensive, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, was launched on March 4, 2026.
  • In the first 24 hours, the U.S. and Israel carried out the strikes.

The players

Adm. Brad Cooper

The commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, who provided an operational update on the offensive against Iran.

President Donald Trump

The U.S. President who ordered the U.S. Development Finance Corporation to provide political risk insurance and guarantees for maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune

A Republican senator who believes the President has the authority to conduct the current military operations without consulting Congress.

House Speaker Mike Johnson

A Republican representative who believes forcing a halt in U.S. military operations against Iran would be "dangerous."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio

The U.S. Secretary of State who said the administration has complied with the War Powers Act "100%" and will continue to do so.

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What they’re saying

“We're continuing with 24-7 strikes into Iran from seabed to space and cyberspace. We have severely degraded Iran's air defenses and destroyed hundreds of Iran's ballistic missiles, launchers and drones. In simple terms, we're focused on shooting all the things that can shoot at us.”

— Adm. Brad Cooper, Commander of U.S. CENTCOM (UPI)

“Effective IMMEDIATELY, I have ordered the United States Development Finance Corporation to provide, at a very reasonable price, political risk insurance and guarantees for the Financial Security of ALL Maritime Trade, especially Energy, traveling through the Gulf. This will be available to all Shipping Lines. If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible. No matter what, the United States will ensure the FREE FLOW of ENERGY to the WORLD.”

— President Donald Trump (Truth Social)

“The president has the authority that he needs to conduct the activities, the operations that are currently underway there. I think the president is acting in the best interest of the nation and our national security interests by ensuring that he's protecting Americans and American bases and installations in that region, as well as those of our allies.”

— Sen. John Thune, Senate Majority Leader (UPI)

What’s next

The votes in the Senate on Wednesday evening and in the House on Thursday were unlikely to get anywhere due to the Republican's 51-47 and 218-214 majorities, but will mark the first formal political debate on the conflict.

The takeaway

The U.S. offensive against Iran represents a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries, with the U.S. aiming to cripple Iran's military capabilities. However, the unilateral action by the President has sparked political debate, with Democrats pushing for Congressional approval before further combat operations.