The United States says it has struck nearly 2,000 targets in Iran since launching a large-scale offensive alongside Israel, marking one of the most intense US military campaigns in the Middle East in decades.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces have hit almost 2,000 targets using more than 2,000 munitions since the operation began on Saturday.
Admiral Brad Cooper described the opening phase as “nearly double the scale” of the initial strikes in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
“Our military in the Middle East is undertaking an unprecedented operation to eliminate Iran’s ability to threaten Americans,” Cooper said in a video statement. “We’ve already struck nearly 2,000 targets… We have severely degraded Iran’s air defences and destroyed hundreds of Iran’s ballistic missiles, launchers and drones.”
He added that 17 Iranian warships were destroyed in less than 100 hours, including what he called Iran’s “most operational” submarine, saying the aim was to neutralize the Iranian navy.
Israel launches ‘broad wave’ of strikes
Meanwhile, Israel said it had launched a new “broad wave of strikes” on military sites inside Iran. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said the attacks targeted missile launch sites, air defence systems and infrastructure linked to Iran’s security apparatus.
The IDF said it struck buildings associated with the Basij militia, part of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, as well as facilities connected to Iran’s internal security command. Iranian state media reported explosions in Tehran and damage to residential areas.
Deadly strikes in Lebanon
The escalation has spilled into Lebanon. At least 10 people were killed overnight in Israeli airstrikes, according to Lebanese authorities.
Strikes hit the eastern town of Baalbek and areas south of Beirut, including Aramoun and Saadiyat. Lebanon’s Health Ministry described the casualty figures as preliminary. A hotel in Beirut was also reportedly hit.
The areas targeted lie outside Hezbollah’s traditional strongholds, signaling a widening geographic scope. The World Health Organization chief condemned earlier strikes that killed three paramedics responding to explosions.
Oil prices surge amid regional fears
The conflict has rattled global energy markets. Brent crude rose above $80 a barrel, while gas prices jumped sharply in Europe and Asia.
Analysts warn that continued attacks on Gulf oil and gas facilities could disrupt supply routes and fuel inflation worldwide. Global stock markets have fallen since the offensive began, reflecting fears of a prolonged regional war.
