US strikes Iranian missile manufacturing facility, says CENTCOM commander

WASHINGTON, DC: The United States struck a “large ballistic missile manufacturing facility” in Iran overnight, the commander of US Central Command said on Wednesday, describing the attack as part of a broader effort to degrade Tehran’s military capabilities.

Gen Brad Cooper said the strike was carried out by US bomber forces as part of Operation Epic Fury, which targets Iran’s missile, drone and defence industrial infrastructure.

“We are methodically dismantling them by hitting Iranian missiles and drones as we also strike their defense industrial base,” Cooper said in a video posted on X.

“Just last night, our bomber force hit a large ballistic missile manufacturing facility as an example,” he added.

Cooper said the campaign was aimed not only at countering current threats but also at weakening Iran’s future military capabilities.

“So, it’s not just about what’s shooting at us today. It’s also about eliminating the threat in the future,” he said.

US hits more than 5,500 targets in Iran

Cooper said that since the start of the war, US forces have struck more than 5,500 targets inside Iran, including more than 60 vessels.

He said US strike waves had intensified in recent days. “Just yesterday, we had strike waves nearly every hour from different locations and directions going into Iran,” Cooper said.

The US also destroyed the final vessel in Iran’s Soleimani-class warships, effectively eliminating the entire class from the conflict, he added.

“That’s an entire class of Iranian ships now out of the fight,” Cooper said.

Focus on Strait of Hormuz security

Cooper also outlined US efforts to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.

He said US air operations have maintained constant pressure on Iranian forces. “From the air, we’ve achieved a concentration of air power with back-to-back waves of advanced fighters creating constant pressure on the enemy every single day,” Cooper said.

“Our dominance is not a solo effort. It’s a testament to the strength of our iron-clad alliances,” he added.

Iran warns of retaliation after bank targeted

Meanwhile, Iran accused the United States and Israel of targeting one of its banks, warning that Tehran may retaliate by striking economic infrastructure linked to the two countries.

A spokesperson for Tehran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military command headquarters said the attack was illegitimate and would justify retaliatory action.

“Following their failed campaign, the US army and Israel have targeted one of the country’s banks,” the spokesperson said, according to the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

He warned that Iran could target US and Israeli “economic centers and banks” in response.

The spokesperson also advised people across the region to stay at least one kilometre away from banks, warning that Washington should expect a “retaliatory and painful response.”