On March 16, 2026, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper delivered a video briefing on Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.-led campaign launched on February 28 targeting Iranian regime security assets to counter imminent threats in Iraq, Syria, and the broader region. The operation has focused on disabling IRGC-linked facilities and other critical targets associated with Iran’s regional military influence.

While Operation Epic Fury has inflicted significant damage on adversary infrastructure, the campaign has also come with U.S. losses. Seven ground troops were killed during early March operations, and the entire crew of a KC-135 tanker was lost when the aircraft was downed over Iraq on March 12. These incidents underscore the high-risk nature and intensity of the campaign, reflecting the complexity of precision strikes in contested environments.

Admiral Cooper’s briefing highlighted both the operational successes and the sacrifices involved, emphasizing the continued commitment of U.S. forces to neutralizing regional threats while maintaining strategic pressure on Iran. The update demonstrates the ongoing balance between offensive action and force protection amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.