US Pentagon claims to have severely damaged Iranian capabilities, promises to increase attacks
USS Delbert D Black fires a Tomahawk in support of Operation Epic Fury. (Photo: US Navy)
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced on 4 March that the US forces have inflicted serious damage that reduces Iran’s ability to attack Washington’s bases and its allies’ territories in the Middle East. He has also promised to increase pressure on Tehran by sending more forces, equipment and ammunition to Operation Epic Fury.
“The Iranian Air Force is no more. Built from 1996, destroyed in 2026. The Iranian Navy rests at the bottom of the Persian Gulf,” Hegseth claimed.
According to the US Department of Defense (DoD), 20 Iranian Navy vessels were destroyed, including a frigate sunk in international waters
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Has France quietly become Europe’s real naval power?
The Marine nationale’s consistent deployments, healthy shipbuilding drumbeat and growing export portfolio are forcing a reassessment of where European naval capability now resides.
-
Australia is ramping up its uncrewed surface fleet as Sea Archer lines up for key requirement
As advances in uncrewed technology increasingly shape Australia’s maritime future, Shephard spoke with the country’s head of navy capability and a Leidos Australia executive about the operational advantages behind the shift.
-
Gulf tensions force Western navies to confront mine warfare shortfalls
The conversion of RFA Lyme Bay comes during signs that European navies may once again need to cooperate on Gulf mine clearance operations.