Overview
- Operation Epic Fury, paused by a two-week ceasefire announced Tuesday between the U.S. and Iran, shifted from active strikes to monitoring as talks continue.
- Gen. Dan Caine said U.S. forces hit more than 13,000 targets and degraded about 80% of Iran’s air defenses, while U.S. and Gulf partners intercepted roughly 1,700 missiles and one‑way drones.
- About 50,000 U.S. personnel took part and, by Caine’s count, consumed more than 6 million meals, about 950,000 gallons of coffee, 2 million energy drinks, and “a lot of nicotine” during roughly six weeks of operations.
- Caine stressed the joint force is ready to resume combat if ordered, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said troops will remain nearby as disputes over the truce’s scope and unresolved maritime issues raise doubts the pause will hold.
- Reporting on U.S. losses counted 13 service members killed and 365 wounded during the campaign, with most of the injured already returned to duty.