Over the past four days, the United States has executed a large-scale military operation across the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman, resulting in the destruction of seventeen Iranian warships, including a submarine. The operation was confirmed by Admiral Brad Cooper, senior spokesperson for United States Central Command (CENTCOM).
Admiral Cooper posted on social media, stating: “Simply put, we neutralised all threats capable of endangering our forces. In a coordinated effort, our B-1 and B-2 bombers conducted strikes across the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman, successfully destroying seventeen Iranian warships, including a submarine.”
He further remarked, “For decades, Iran has posed a threat to commercial shipping in these waters. Following these strikes, Iranian naval activity in the region has effectively ceased.”
The operation has heightened tensions in the region. On 28 February, Israel launched its own operation, codenamed Roaring Lion, while the United States initiated Epic Fury. Both missions targeted Iranian military and naval installations. According to U.S. defence officials, Epic Fury involved over 50,000 American troops and more than 200 combat aircraft.
Admiral Cooper added that, over the past four days, U.S. air forces have conducted strikes on more than 2,000 Iranian targets, including major military and naval bases. The overarching goal of these operations is to degrade Iran’s military capabilities and ensure the security of international commercial shipping lanes.
Key Military Data
| Operation Name | Start Date | Troop & Aircraft Deployment | Iranian Targets Destroyed | Target Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epic Fury (USA) | 28 February 2026 | 50,000+ troops, 200+ aircraft | 1 submarine, 17 warships | Arabian Sea, Gulf of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman |
| Roaring Lion (Israel) | 28 February 2026 | Classified | Classified | Iranian military & naval targets |
Military analysts describe these operations as some of the most concentrated U.S. naval and air campaigns in the region in decades. The strikes reflect the United States’ commitment to protecting international trade routes and demonstrating military presence in the Persian Gulf.
The rapidly evolving situation has significantly increased geopolitical tensions among the United States, Israel, and Iran, raising concerns about potential future conflicts and international responses. These operations underscore U.S. strategic capabilities and highlight a renewed focus on ensuring the security of key international waterways.