CENTCOM chief Brad Cooper reveals Iran’s desperate drone and missile assaults across the Middle East

Iran has intensified its targeting of civilian infrastructure across the Middle East, a move US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper described as a sign of “desperation.”

Speaking to London-based Iran International, Cooper said Tehran has launched over 300 deliberate strikes in recent weeks, even as the country’s military capabilities have weakened since the US-led operations Roaring Lion and Epic Fury began on February 28.

Decline in Iran’s Military Capacity

According to Cooper, the initial stages of the conflict saw Iran deploying dozens of drones and missiles in coordinated attacks, but the volume has since dwindled to one or two strikes at a time.

The reduction in scale reflects the cumulative impact of targeted strikes on Iranian military assets, particularly its naval forces, which have been hit hard in efforts to secure key waterways.

“Their operational capacity has diminished significantly.

This is a regime under strain, forced to act out of desperation,” Cooper said.

Strait of Hormuz Remains a Strategic Flashpoint

One of the primary concerns for US and allied forces is maintaining open shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Cooper confirmed that while the waterway is physically navigable, ongoing missile and drone attacks from Iran are preventing normal maritime transit.

Since the start of operations, US and coalition forces have damaged or sunk approximately 140 Iranian vessels, reducing the regime’s ability to disrupt shipping.

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Cooper stressed, “The Strait of Hormuz is physically open to transit.

The reason ships are not transiting right now is because the Islamic Republic is shooting at them with drones and missiles.”

US Signals Possible Strike

US President Donald Trump issued a warning on Sunday, stating that Washington could target Iran’s power plants within 48 hours if the strait is not fully reopened.

The statement underscores the strategic importance of the region for global energy supplies and the potential for rapid escalation.

Impact and Consequences

The escalation of Iran’s attacks on civilian targets raises concerns about regional stability and the security of commercial shipping.

Prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could significantly affect global oil prices, impacting economies beyond the Middle East.

For Iran, continued strikes against civilian sites may further isolate the regime internationally and invite additional military responses from the US and allies.

What’s Next?

Observers expect intensified US-led military operations aimed at neutralizing Iran’s drone and missile capabilities.

Diplomatic efforts may run in parallel, but the threat of broader confrontation remains high, particularly if Iran continues to target strategic shipping lanes or critical infrastructure.

The next weeks will be crucial in determining whether Iran scales back its attacks or if further escalation prompts direct strikes on critical energy facilities, as suggested by Washington.

Summary

Iran has launched over 300 deliberate strikes on civilian targets in recent weeks, reflecting a weakening military posture amid US-led operations.

The Strait of Hormuz, while physically open, remains under threat from Iranian drone and missile attacks.

US officials, including Admiral Brad Cooper and Donald Trump, are warning of further action, including possible strikes on Iranian power plants, if regional security is not restored.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Iran has increased attacks on civilian sites in the Middle East, totaling over 300 strikes recently
• US-led operations Roaring Lion and Epic Fury have reduced Iran’s military capabilities
• Initial high-volume attacks have slowed to one or two strikes at a time
• The Strait of Hormuz remains physically open but under threat from Iranian drones and missiles
• US and allied forces have damaged or sunk roughly 140 Iranian vessels since February 28
• President Trump warned of potential strikes on Iran’s power plants if shipping lanes are not fully reopened
• Escalation could disrupt global oil supply and provoke wider regional conflict