CENTCOM chief says Iran suffered 'generational military defeat' as US forces remain on alert

WASHINGTON, DC: Head of United States Central Command Brad Cooper said on Thursday, April 9, that Iran suffered a “generational military defeat” following weeks of conflict with US and Israeli forces. His remarks come as a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran remains in effect.

Cooper stated that while offensive operations have been paused, American troops continue to be deployed across the region. The comments come amid ongoing uncertainty about the durability of the ceasefire.

CENTCOM says Iran's military capabilities have been 'eliminated'

In a video message released on Thursday, Cooper said US and Israeli forces had achieved their strategic objective of weakening Iran’s military capacity.

“Iran has suffered a generational military defeat,” he said. “The United States and Israel systematically destroyed Iran’s ability to conduct large-scale military operations for years to come.”

He added that the campaign, known as 'Operation Epic Fury', targeted Iran’s ability to project power beyond its borders.

“We set out to dismantle the Iranian regime’s ability to project power beyond its own borders, and we clearly accomplished this task,” Cooper said.

He further stated that Iran’s conventional military capability, built over decades, “has been eliminated.”

According to Cooper, US forces conducted more than 13,000 strikes on Iranian military targets and carried out thousands of combat flights during the nearly six-week campaign.

The operations were aimed at degrading Iran’s infrastructure and limiting its operational reach in the region.

The campaign has also resulted in US casualties. Thirteen American service members have been killed, and at least 381 have been wounded since the operation began on February 28, according to Central Command figures.

More than 50,000 US troops remain stationed in the Middle East following the conflict.

US forces remain on alert as ceasefire holds but tensions persist

Despite the pause in offensive operations, Cooper emphasized that US forces remain prepared to resume action if necessary. 

“After successfully conducting more than 13,000 strikes on Iranian military targets and flying thousands upon thousands of combat flights, US forces have paused offensive operations in accordance with the ongoing ceasefire,” he said. “However, we remain present, we remain vigilant, and we remain ready if called.”

He also noted that the US continues to work with regional partners to maintain what he described as “the most sophisticated and largest active air defense umbrella in the world.”

Senior US officials have echoed similar assessments. Trump described the outcome as a “total and complete victory,” while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the campaign resulted in an “overwhelming victory” over Iran.

At the same time, Dan Caine, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, cautioned that the ceasefire could be temporary, noting that US forces “remain ready if ordered or called upon to resume combat operations.”

As of Thursday, the ceasefire remained in place, though tensions persist. Continued Israeli military activity in Lebanon and Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz have raised concerns about potential violations of the agreement.