Epic Fury: US Says Iran Operation Involves Largest American Military Firepower in a Generation

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Feb 28, 2026 #Brad Cooper quote, #CENTCOM Iran strikes, #Iranian retaliation, #Operation Epic Fury, #U.S. and Israel conflict 2026, #US military firepower Middle East

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Operation Epic Fury, the United States’ new military campaign against Iran, involves the “largest regional concentration of American military firepower in a generation,” according to United States Central Command.

In a statement released on X, CENTCOM said the operation began on February 28 at the direction of the President of the United States, with U.S. and partner forces striking Iranian targets at about 1.15am ET.

The strikes part of a broader effort alongside Israel, aimed to “dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus” by attacking locations that posed what Washington described as “imminent threats.”

Targets reportedly included missile and drone launch sites, command and control facilities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, air‑defence systems and military airfields.

Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, framed the campaign in stark terms.

“The President ordered bold action, and our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen are answering the call,” he said. “Operation Epic Fury involves the largest regional concentration of American military firepower in a generation.”

CENTCOM described the opening phase as involving precision munitions launched from air, land and sea, and confirmed that Task Force Scorpion Strike employed low‑cost one‑way attack drones in combat for the first time as part of the offensive.

The command added that, in the hours after the initial strikes, U.S. and allied forces successfully defended against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks launched in retaliation.

CENTCOM said there have been no reported U.S. casualties or combat‑related injuries, and that damage to U.S. installations in the region has been “minimal” and has not affected ongoing operations.

Iran’s response saw a reported wave of ballistic missile and unmanned aerial attacks against U.S. positions and allies throughout the Gulf, with most incoming threats intercepted or deflected.

CENTCOM also said partner forces participated in defensive measures alongside American units.

Operation Epic Fury marks a significant escalation in military confrontation with Tehran, following months of rising tensions and a substantial U.S. military build‑up across the Middle East earlier this year.