“It’s On Fire as We Speak”: U.S. Admiral Reveals Iranian Drone Carrier Destroyed in Latest Strike

In an extraordinary update on Operation Epic Fury, U.S. Admiral Brad Cooper has revealed that an Iranian drone carrier—equivalent in size to a World War II aircraft carrier—was struck by U.S. forces, and as of the latest reports, the ship is on fire. This significant strike adds to the growing list of successes in the operation, which has already decimated Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and significantly weakened the country’s ability to project power.

The revelations came during a press briefing from U.S. Central Command Headquarters in Tampa, Florida, where Admiral Cooper and Secretary of Defense Mark Hexath provided key insights into the ongoing military operation targeting Iran’s military infrastructure. The operation, designed to counter Iran’s missile and drone threats, has been described as one of the most successful missions in recent history, with significant victories for U.S. and Israeli forces.

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A Historic Military Operation

Operation Epic Fury, launched in late February 2026, was designed as a coordinated offensive between U.S. and Israeli forces aimed at reducing Iran’s missile capabilities and undermining its military infrastructure. Since its inception, the operation has made remarkable progress, with U.S. and Israeli forces achieving unprecedented success in a very short period.

Admiral Cooper noted that the U.S. and Israeli forces had rapidly gained air dominance, allowing them to strike Iran’s military assets with precision and overwhelming power. “In just the last 72 hours, America’s bomber force has struck nearly 200 targets deep inside Iran, including around Tan,” said Admiral Cooper. “We’ve also targeted Iran’s equivalent of Space Command, which significantly degrades their ability to threaten Americans.”

The coordination between U.S. and Israeli forces has been a critical factor in the operation’s success. According to Admiral Cooper, the two countries have been working closely together, with American forces providing air support and missile defense capabilities, while Israeli forces focus on precision strikes against Iran’s missile launchers and air defense systems.

Decimation of Iran’s Missile Capabilities

One of the most significant achievements of Operation Epic Fury has been the decimation of Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities. As Admiral Cooper revealed, ballistic missile attacks have decreased by 90% since the start of the operation, and drone attacks have been reduced by 83%.

“The results have been remarkable,” said Admiral Cooper. “Since Day 1, we’ve managed to reduce their retaliation capabilities by over 80%. Today, we’re looking at an 86% reduction in their ballistic missile capabilities.”

Iran’s missile systems, which have long been one of the country’s most powerful tools for regional projection, have been severely degraded, and their ability to retaliate against U.S. and Israeli targets has been drastically reduced. The U.S. military has not only struck key missile launchers but also destroyed Iran’s missile production facilities, ensuring that the regime will not be able to rebuild its missile stockpile in the near future.

The Destruction of the Iranian Drone Carrier

The destruction of the Iranian drone carrier represents one of the most significant blows to the regime’s military capabilities. The drone carrier, which was roughly the size of a World War II aircraft carrier, was targeted by U.S. forces just hours before Admiral Cooper’s press briefing. “In just the last few hours, we hit an Iranian drone carrier ship roughly the size of a World War II aircraft carrier,” he confirmed. “As we speak, it’s on fire.”

This strike marks a key milestone in the U.S.-Israeli effort to neutralize Iran’s military infrastructure. The Iranian drone carrier, once a formidable weapon in the country’s arsenal, has been rendered useless, and its destruction sends a clear message to Iran and its allies that the U.S. and Israel are fully committed to dismantling the regime’s military power.

The operation, which has also targeted Iran’s naval assets, has already led to the destruction of over 30 Iranian ships, with Admiral Cooper confirming that the strike numbers have continued to rise. “We’ve now sunk or destroyed over 30 ships,” he reported. “This includes key naval assets that Iran has used to project power in the region.”

Impact on Iranian Retaliation and Regional Stability

The impact of these strikes on Iran’s military capabilities cannot be overstated. With the majority of Iran’s missile systems decimated, and its naval and drone capabilities significantly weakened, Iran’s ability to retaliate against U.S. or Israeli strikes has been substantially reduced.

Admiral Cooper emphasized that, despite the significant losses, the U.S. and Israeli forces remain vigilant. “While we’ve struck a severe blow to Iran’s military, we remain vigilant. Our strikes against the Iranian Navy have intensified, and we will continue to target their remaining military assets,” he said.

The operation has sent shockwaves across the region, particularly in Tehran, where rumors of a power vacuum are swirling following the deaths of key Iranian leaders in recent strikes. As Iranian leadership continues to be dismantled, the future of the country’s government remains uncertain.

Cooperation Between U.S. and Israel: A Historic Partnership

The cooperation between U.S. and Israeli forces has been hailed as a model of military coordination. For decades, the U.S. and Israel have worked together to counter regional threats, but Operation Epic Fury represents a new level of integration between the two countries’ armed forces.

Admiral Cooper highlighted the effectiveness of the partnership, noting that the combined U.S. and Israeli forces have created the most advanced and integrated air defense network in the Middle East. “We are fighting to win through combined U.S. and Israeli combat power,” said Cooper. “This collaboration has been instrumental in ensuring the success of Operation Epic Fury.”

Israel’s Iron Dome and Arrow missile defense systems have proven essential in intercepting incoming missiles from Iranian proxies, including Hezbollah, which has launched several attacks in recent days. The U.S. has also provided air superiority and missile defense capabilities, ensuring that any retaliatory measures from Iran’s allies are swiftly neutralized.

The Road Ahead: A Regime in Crisis

As Operation Epic Fury progresses, questions about the future of Iran’s leadership loom large. With much of the regime’s power structure decimated and key officials eliminated, the country is facing unprecedented levels of instability.

Admiral Cooper noted that while the U.S. and Israel have made significant strides in dismantling Iran’s military power, the Iranian regime remains a threat. “While we’ve destroyed much of their military infrastructure, we remain committed to systematically dismantling Iran’s missile production capability for the future,” he said. “This will take time, but our forces are well-equipped and prepared to continue this mission decisively.”

In the coming weeks, the U.S. and Israel will shift their focus from air strikes to more targeted actions aimed at dismantling Iran’s remaining military capabilities and ensuring that the regime cannot rebuild its missile and drone stockpiles. The operation is expected to intensify in the coming days, as both nations look to cripple Iran’s ability to threaten the region once and for all.

The Path Forward: Regime Collapse and the Future of the Middle East

Looking ahead, General Keane, along with military analysts, predicts that the collapse of the Iranian regime is a real possibility, as it faces mounting pressure from both external military strikes and internal unrest. The regime’s already fragile control over the country is being further eroded by the ongoing conflict and public dissatisfaction.

Keane suggested that the U.S. and Israel’s strategic goals are shifting toward regime collapse. “We are not just targeting their weapons systems,” he explained. “We are dismantling the infrastructure that sustains the regime. This includes the military, the intelligence networks, and the security forces that repress the Iranian people.”

As the operation transitions into its next phase, the international community will be watching closely to see how the situation develops. With Iran’s missile capabilities crippled, the focus will now be on the long-term effects of these strikes and how they shape the future of the region.

Conclusion: A Bold Step Toward Regional Stability

The success of Operation Epic Fury and the unprecedented destruction of Iran’s missile stocks represent a turning point in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The coordinated efforts of U.S. and Israeli forces have dealt a significant blow to Iran’s military capabilities, and the region’s balance of power has shifted in favor of the U.S. and its allies.

As the operation continues, both the U.S. and Israel are committed to maintaining the pressure on Iran and ensuring that the regime can no longer threaten the security of its neighbors or project power beyond its borders. The road ahead remains fraught with challenges, but the remarkable success of the operation so far has set the stage for a future where Iran’s military capabilities are significantly diminished.

In the days and weeks to come, the world will continue to watch as the U.S. and Israel work together to dismantle Iran’s military and create conditions for greater stability in the Middle East. The stakes are high, but with their combined might, the U.S. and Israel are ready to see this mission through to the end.