Double 'Shock And Awe' -- US Pounds Iran With Massive Assets

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01:56

Double 'Shock And Awe' -- US Pounds Iran With Massive Assets

  • By

    Alex Raufoglu

WASHINGTON -- The United States has destroyed 17 Iranian naval vessels -- including a submarine -- and struck nearly 2,000 targets across Iran in less than four days, according to the commander of US Central Command.

In avideo statementposted on X on March 3, Admiral Brad Cooper said the sweeping military campaign -- dubbed Operation Epic Fury -- represents the largest US buildup in the Middle East in a generation.

Today, there is not a single Iranian ship under way in the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, or Gulf of Oman, Cooper said, describing what he called an unprecedented effort to eliminate Irans ability to threaten US forces.

Massive Firepower Deployed

More than 50,000 US troops, over 200 fighter aircraft, two aircraft carrier strike groups, and long-range bombers are participating in the operation, Cooper said. He described the opening phase as nearly double the scale of the 2003 shock and awe campaign in Iraq.

US forces, operating alongside Israel, have conducted continuous strikes from seabed to space and cyberspace, he said.

According to Cooper, American forces have:

  • Struck nearly 2,000 targets with more than 2,000 munitions;
  • Severely degraded Irans air defenses;
  • Destroyed hundreds of ballistic missile launchers and drones;
  • Sunk 17 Iranian ships, including what he described as Tehrans most operational submarine.

US B-2 and B-1 bombers carried out deep strikes on missile facilities inside Iran, while B-52 bombers targeted ballistic missile infrastructure and command centers, he said.

American B-52 bomber, the type that targeted Iran's ballistic missile infrastructure and command centers.

Naval forces launched waves of cruise missiles from two carrier strike groups, while US Army units fired long-range precision strike missiles -- known as PrSM -- in combat for the first time, although it was not clear from where they were launched.

A drone task force, dubbed Task Force Scorpion, also deployed one-way attack drones originally based on Iranian designs, Cooper said.

Iranian Retaliation

Tehran has responded by launching more than 500 ballistic missiles and over 2,000 drones, Cooper said, accusing Iran of indiscriminately targeting civilians.

Despite the retaliation, he asserted that Irans ability to strike US forces and regional partners is diminishing.

Were focused on shooting all the things that can shoot at us, Cooper said, adding that US forces are now hunting Irans remaining mobile ballistic missile launchers.

Calling the campaign immensely complex and historic, Cooper praised US service members across all military branches and expressed confidence that American and allied forces would meet their objectives.

Weve just begun, he said. But I have the utmost confidence that we, alongside our partners, will absolutely achieve our military objectives.

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00:41

Pentagon Identifies First US Soldiers Killed In Iran War

The Pentagon on March 3 identified four of the first US soldiers killed in the war against Iran during an attack by unmanned aircraft in Kuwait.

The soldiers "died on March 1, 2026, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, during an unmanned aircraft system attack. All soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa,"a statement said.

"The incident is under investigation," it added. No other details were made public

It named the soldiers as Captain Cody A. Khork, 35, of Florida; Sergeant 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Nebraska; Sergeant 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of Minnesota; and Sergeant Declan J. Coady, 20, of Iowa.

Combination photo released by the US Army Reserve shows Sergeant 1st Class Nicole Amor; Sergent Declan Coady; Captain Cody Khork; and Sergeant 1st Class Noah Tietjens, who died on March 1 in Kuwait at the Port of Shuaiba.

Two other American service members died during Iran's initial retaliatory attacks but not yet been publicly identified. Several others remain seriously injured.

US President Donald Trump warned the American public shortly after announcing major military operations against Iran that there were likely to be US casualties in the effort.

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23:35

3.3.2026

Trump Vows To Protect Shipping In Strait Of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has vowed to offer military and financial security for shipping traffic in the crucial Strait of Hormuz, which is being threatened by Iran amid its retaliatory action following US and Israeli air strikes.

"If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible," he posted on hisTruth Socialplatform on March 3.

Trump also said he has instructed the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to offer risk insurance and guarantees for all maritime trade in the Gulf region. The action is directed att energy transport but will be available to all shipping companies, he said.

Oil tankers pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

"No matter what, the United States will ensure the FREE FLOW of ENERGY to the WORLD."

"More actions to come," he said.

Oil prices had surged and stock markets globally had tumbled amid concerns that Iran could attack shipping in the strait, which lies between Iran and Oman.

It is considered one of the most important shipping routes in the world, being the only connection from the Gulf to the world's seas.

Markets recovered some of the losses after Trump's announcement.

With reporting by dpa

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21:57

3.3.2026

Fire Contained After Drone Strike Near US Consulate in Dubai

A fire was contained near the US Consulate in Dubai on March 3 after a drone strike, US authorities confirmed, as regional tensions intensify amid ongoing US-Israeli military operations against Iran.

The Dubai Media Office said emergency crews responded immediately to a blaze caused by a "drone-related incident" in the vicinity of the diplomatic compound. No injuries were reported, and the fire was brought under control.

Videos circulating on social media showed flames and thick black smoke near at least one building inside the compound.

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