March 13, 2026 — Tampa, Florida U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Friday that American forces are taking “decisive steps to neutralize Iran’s power projection capabilities” amid the ongoing Operation Epic Fury, now in its 13th day.
CENTCOM released a video showing airstrikes on Iranian military infrastructure, stating the Iranian regime has been the number one threat to peace and stability in the Middle East for years. The command reported striking about 6,000 targets, damaging or destroying more than 60 ships and 30 mine-laying vessels, particularly in response to Iran’s efforts to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz with sea mines.
Escalation in Strikes
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine held a press briefing, describing March 13 as the heaviest day of kinetic operations yet. Hegseth said strikes would ramp up with the highest volume of sorties and bomber pulses over Iran and Tehran.
“Today will be yet again, the highest volume of strikes that America has put over the skies of Iran and Tehran.”
— Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, NBC News
CENTCOM Commander Adm. Bradley Cooper noted Iran’s combat power is declining, with its navy rendered combat-ineffective, including Soleimani-class warships.
Operation Epic Fury Objectives
Launched under President Donald J. Trump’s leadership, the operation aims to destroy Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal and production, annihilate its navy, sever terrorist proxy support, and prevent nuclear weapon acquisition, according to a White House statement.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated the four key goals on March 4. Officials have sent conflicting messages, with Trump stating on March 9 the war is “very complete, pretty much,” while emphasizing ongoing intensification.
President Trump posted on Truth Social: “Watch what happens” with Iran, and warned, “We are going to hit Iran very hard over the next week.”
Broader Context
The U.S. vowed to block Iran’s attempts to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, with Hegseth calling disruptions “something we are dealing with” but not to worry. Additional Marines and warships are moving to the region as Israel launches strikes on Tehran.
Iran has threatened commercial shipping and U.S. forces, using civilian ports for military operations, potentially making them targets.
In related domestic news, the FBI is probing a car ramming attack on Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan, as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community, with possible explosives found in the vehicle.