Washington, DC – In his first detailed military statement since the end of combat operations, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Keane, revealed the final results of the 38-day Operation Epic Fury.
Keane confirmed that the coalition forces had completely destroyed Iran’s ability to project power beyond its borders. He described the results as a “fundamental shift” in the regional balance of power.
13,000 targets under fire
General Keane announced that US forces struck more than 13,000 targets deep inside Iran. These included 4,000 dynamic targets that were engaged immediately upon detection thanks to the flexibility of the command and control system.
He explained that the airstrikes successfully neutralized 80% of Iran’s air defense system by targeting 1,500 sites. As a result, Iranian airspace became completely open to US fighter jets.
He also noted that 450 ballistic missile storage facilities and 800 suicide drone sites were rendered inoperable.
Destroying the fleet and crippling the military industries
On the naval front, the Chief of Staff asserted that the Iranian navy had “grounded itself to the bottom of the Persian Gulf.” He claimed that 90% of the regular fleet had been sunk, including 150 major warships and half of the Revolutionary Guard’s fast attack craft. He further stated that 95% of Iran’s naval mine capabilities had been destroyed through 700 precision strikes.
Regarding the industrial base, Keane described the damage as “irreparable for many years.” He confirmed the destruction of 90% of weapons factories, including all production lines for the Shahed drone and solid-fuel rocket engine facilities. Most importantly, Keane announced that 80% of Iran’s nuclear industrial base had been targeted and destroyed. As a result, he claimed, Tehran’s nuclear ambitions had been completely thwarted.
Regional alliance and strategic air bridge
General Keane praised the role of regional allies, thanking the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan for their vital role in protecting assets and joint operations.
He revealed that 10,000 air missions had been conducted, including 62 strategic bomber sorties. Of these, 18 were direct flights from the United States (round trips) with missions lasting more than 30 hours of continuous flight time. US defenses also successfully intercepted 1,700 missiles and drones targeting allies and civilians.
“A warrior’s rest” and full readiness
Keane concluded his remarks by mentioning the “epic” rescue of the crew of a fighter jet that crashed last weekend, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to the principle of “leaving no one behind.”
He delivered a final warning, stating that the current ceasefire is merely a “pause.” He emphasized that U.S. forces are on high alert and ready to resume operations with greater precision should Iran violate the truce. He added, “We have destroyed their ability to harm America and our interests for years to come.”