Quick Read
- Iran has intensified its deliberate attacks on civilian targets across the Middle East, reportedly over 300 times in recent weeks.
- CENTCOM chief Admiral Brad Cooper stated Iran’s military capabilities are declining, forcing a reduction in attack volume and a shift to less sophisticated strikes.
- Approximately 140 Iranian vessels have been damaged or destroyed by U.S. and allied forces as part of efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
TAMPA, FLORIDA (Azat TV) – United States Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Admiral Brad Cooper revealed that Iran has significantly increased its targeting of civilian sites across the Middle East, attributing this escalation to desperation and declining military capabilities. In an interview with the London-based outlet Iran International, Admiral Cooper stated that Iran has deliberately attacked civilian targets more than 300 times in the past few weeks.
Iran’s Military Strain and Reduced Attacks
Cooper noted that Iran’s military capabilities have deteriorated since the commencement of operations Roaring Lion and Epic Fury on February 28. This strain has forced the regime to reduce the volume of its attacks on neighboring countries and Israel. He observed a distinct shift from earlier in the conflict, where Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles simultaneously, to current attacks involving only one or two projectiles at a time.
Securing the Strait of Hormuz
The CENTCOM chief also addressed the ongoing efforts to secure shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. Cooper stated that the U.S. and its allies have been working to weaken Iran’s naval capabilities, resulting in the sinking or severe damage of approximately 140 Iranian vessels since the operations began. Despite these efforts, Cooper emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz remains physically open for transit. He clarified that ships are not currently transiting the strait not due to physical obstruction, but because the Islamic Republic is actively targeting them with drones and missiles.
US Warning on Strait of Hormuz
The situation has drawn sharp international attention, with U.S. President Donald Trump issuing a warning on Sunday that the United States could strike Iran’s power plants within 48 hours if the strait is not fully opened to commercial traffic. This statement underscores the high stakes involved in maintaining freedom of navigation in the critical waterway.
The deliberate targeting of civilian sites by Iran, as highlighted by Admiral Cooper, coupled with the significant degradation of its naval assets, suggests a regime under immense pressure attempting to exert influence through asymmetric tactics and by disrupting international commerce.