US military says more than 10,000 targets hit in Iran as operation continues

WASHINGTON

The US has struck more than 10,000 targets inside Iran, including dozens of naval vessels and missile facilities, as part of the ongoing operation, US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said on Wednesday.

"US forces have struck more than 10,000 military targets. In fact, we hit the 10,000th Iranian target just hours ago," Cooper said in a video message shared on the US social media company X.

Regional tensions have escalated since Feb. 28, when the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran that has killed more than 1,300 people, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries that are home to US military assets.

Cooper said the US destroyed 92% of the Iranian Navy's largest vessels.

"They are not sailing, and my operational assessment is that they've now lost the ability to meaningfully project naval power and influence around the region and around the world," he added.

The US also "significantly" degraded Iran's naval drone and missile capabilities, Cooper said, adding: "We've also removed the regime's ability to rebuild them."

Thirteen US service members have been killed, and about 290 others have been injured since the operation began.