The White House said Operation Epic Fury, which began February 28, 2026, achieved three core military objectives: destroying Iran's ballistic missile and drone capabilities, eliminating the Iranian navy, and dismantling the country's defense industrial base. According to the administration, U.S. forces conducted over 10,200 air sorties and struck more than 13,000 targets during the campaign.
"From February 28, the President of the United States ordered the Joint Force to execute Operation Epic Fury with the direction to accomplish three distinct military objectives: destroy Iran's ballistic missile and drone capabilities, destroy the Iranian navy, and destroy their defense industrial base," said Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine. The administration claimed the operation was designed to prevent Iran from projecting power outside its borders.
The White House reported extensive damage to Iranian military capabilities, stating that more than 85% of Iran's defense industrial base was destroyed, along with 150 warships across 16 classes and all Iranian submarines. The administration also claimed Iran's air force was "functionally neutered," with daily flight operations dropping from 30-100 flights to zero.
The operation marks the latest in a series of military actions against Iran under the current administration, following previous strikes including "Operation Midnight Hammer" that allegedly targeted Iranian nuclear facilities. The administration has framed these actions as part of a "Peace Through Strength" doctrine.
"This is a victory for the United States of America that the President and our incredible military made happen," said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. "Thanks to the unbelievable capabilities of America's warfighters, the United States has achieved and exceeded those core military objectives in just 38 days."
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth characterized the operation as part of a broader pattern of decisive action against Iran, stating that "no other President has shown the courage and resolve of this Commander-in-Chief." The administration said it is now entering negotiations for a broader peace agreement.
The announcement comes as the administration claims Iran has agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping chokepoint. The White House said the ceasefire provides "maximum leverage" for ongoing diplomatic negotiations, though details of any formal agreement have not been disclosed.