Washington DC, US, March 26: The White House on Thursday asserted that Iran’s military strength has been dramatically degraded under Operation Epic Fury, with its missile capability reduced by 90 per cent and a substantial portion of its naval fleet destroyed.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, during a briefing, described the operation as historically significant.“Compared to the start of the operation, Iran’s ballistic missile and drone attacks are down by roughly 90 per cent. We have also destroyed more than 140 of their naval vessels, including nearly 50 mine layers,” she said. “This is the largest elimination of a navy on the face of the planet in a three-week period since World War II.”
Leavitt said the US military is intensifying efforts to dismantle Iran’s defence infrastructure to prevent future threats, particularly those targeting maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
“We are systematically dismantling Iran’s defence industrial base… Over the weekend, we dropped several 5,000-pound bombs on an underground facility used to store anti-ship cruise missiles and mobile launchers,” she noted.
Authorisation Not Required During Ongoing Combat, Says White House
Responding to questions on whether the administration had sought formal authorisation from Congress, Leavitt said it was unnecessary at this stage.
“Right now, formal authorisation is not necessary as we are in the midst of major combat operations. The Department of War estimated a four-to-six-week timeline, and we are currently on Day 25,” she said, adding that the Gang of Eight had been notified prior to the launch.
Leavitt said President Donald Trump views the operation as essential for protecting American lives.
“President Trump is doing this so young Americans are no longer threatened by a rogue terrorist regime that has sought to kill our brave men and women for 47 years,” she said. On concerns over rising fuel prices, she added that the president plans to “unleash American energy dominance” once operations conclude.
White House Rejects Reports of ‘15-Point Plan’
The press secretary dismissed speculation regarding a proposed 15-point roadmap.“The White House has not confirmed a ‘15-point plan’. Talks are ongoing and productive, but we will not negotiate from this podium,” she said.
On Regime Change in Iran
When asked about President Trump’s comment suggesting a regime change in Tehran, Leavitt said:
“Hasn’t it not? Their entire leadership has been killed, and nobody has really seen or legitimately heard from this alleged new leader.” She added that Washington wants to see a leadership in Iran “willing to work with the United States and no longer chant ‘death to America’.”
Leavitt also praised Vice President JD Vance, calling him the president’s “right-hand man” and a key national security adviser involved in all major decisions—from the recent 12-day war to ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.
Additional Troop Deployments
Meanwhile, the US has ordered the deployment of approximately 2,500 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, a Department of Defense official told Al Jazeera. The contingent includes commanders and logistical units from the division’s 1st Combat Brigade.
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