Full Breakdown
U.S. Admiral Testifies on Operation Epic Fury’s Impact and Ongoing Controversies
5/16/2026, 12:01:43 AM
Operation Epic Fury: U.S. Claims of Military Success
On May 14, 2026, Admiral Brad Cooper briefed the Senate Armed Services Committee on Operation Epic Fury, 38-day bombing campaign launched after U.S.–Israeli strike on Iran. He reported 1,450 strikes that destroyed 90 % of Iran’s 8,000-plus naval-mine stockpile and damaged 85 % of its missile, drone and naval industrial base. April 7 ceasefire holds, but U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports persists.
Context and Strategic Stakes
Iran’s retaliation threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for one-fifth of global oil. The danger of naval mines and attacks prompted the United States to block all vessel traffic in and out of Iranian ports, making the strait a flashpoint.
Official Statements
Cooper said Iran has “a moderate, if not small, capability” to strike neighbors and that its ability to supply Hezbollah, Houthis and Hamas is cut off. He declined to give classified missile and drone inventory figures, noting open-source data “are not accurate.” He said military can reopen the strait, but decision rests with policymakers. Donald Trump called the war a means to destroy Iran’s nuclear program, stop attacks and enable regime change.
Criticism and Opposition
Tim Kaine demanded Justice Department’s OLC opinion for strikes, accusing administration of withholding it. Elissa Slotkin asked if China or Russia supply intelligence to Iran; Cooper said matter should be discussed in classified setting. Kirsten Gillibrand pressed for an “exit strategy,” receiving response. Cooper is “passionate” about preventing civilian harm, cited probe of strike that killed 150 civilians at girls’ school, declined comment on 22 school attacks.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Cooper claimed an 85 % reduction in Iran’s missile inventory, while Reuters-cited U.S. intelligence indicates Iran retains 70 % of its missiles and launchers. CBS News reports Iran holds at least half of its ballistic missiles. Cooper called reports of 22 school strikes “unverified” and said no investigation has been opened.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Iranian ability to stop commerce has been dramatically degraded through the straits, but their voice is very loud, and those threats are clearly heard by the merchant industry and the insurance industry,” — Brad Cooper, CENTCOM
- “We're being asked to fund a $1.5 trillion budget, but our request of the DOJ to see the OLC opinion justifying this war — they have refused to allow members of the Armed Services Committee to see it,” — Sen. Tim Kaine, Virginia
- “So what's your exit strategy to end the conflict with Iran?” — Kirsten Gillibrand, New York
What’s Next
The Senate panel will oversee the classified legal opinion and civilian-casualty investigation while congressional appropriations for the $1.5 trillion defense budget remain pending. Diplomatic talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and on April 7 ceasefire continue, and U.S. forces stay poised to respond to any resurgence of Iranian maritime threats.
