More than 30 Iranian naval vessels sunk, says US military

The U.S. military announced on Thursday that it has destroyed more than 30 Iranian naval vessels since the outbreak of hostilities involving the United States and Israel against Iran. Among the targets was an Iranian drone ship, which is reportedly engulfed in flames following the strike.

Admiral Brad Cooper, who commands U.S. forces in the Middle East as the head of U.S. Central Command, provided an update on the evolving situation. He noted that ballistic missile attacks launched by Iran have fallen sharply, with a reduction of nearly 90% compared to the first day of the conflict.

The Admiral emphasized that U.S. and allied operations continue to focus on neutralizing threats at sea while maintaining readiness across the region. “Our naval forces are actively engaging hostile Iranian targets to secure maritime routes and protect allied interests,” Cooper stated during a press briefing.

The campaign comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf and broader Middle East, with global energy and trade routes under strain due to repeated strikes on shipping lanes and strategic ports. U.S. officials say that the destruction of these Iranian vessels is part of a coordinated effort to diminish Tehran’s capacity to project power at sea and to stabilize the situation for international shipping and regional security.

While the military operations have been effective in reducing Iran’s missile activity, officials caution that the situation remains volatile, and vigilance is being maintained to prevent further escalation.