Washington, March 4 (NationPress) Senior military officials from the United States announced on Wednesday that American and allied forces have significantly weakened Iran's military capabilities during the initial four days of the current conflict. This has resulted in a notable decrease in Iranian missile launches, while US operations have expanded further into Iranian territory.

During a press briefing at the Pentagon, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that Operation Epic Fury has already caused substantial damage to Iran's military infrastructure.

"I come before you today with a clear message regarding Operation Epic Fury," stated Hegseth. "America is achieving a decisive, overwhelming victory, and we are showing no mercy."

The operation commenced early Saturday under the direct orders of President Donald Trump, who noted that the campaign is still in its preliminary stages.

"Firstly, we are just four days in. Metrics are evolving, the dust is settling, and additional forces are arriving," Hegseth explained. "Secondly, we are seeing remarkable results—historic in nature, really."

Air Force General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reported that the United States has successfully targeted over 2,000 locations throughout Iran.

"As of this morning, US Central Command (CENTCOM) is making consistent advancements," Caine remarked. "Iran's theatre ballistic missile launches have plummeted by 86 percent since the conflict began, with a 23 percent reduction in just the last 24 hours."

He also noted a significant decline in Iran's drone operations.

"Their one-way attack drone launches have decreased by 73 percent from the initial days of the conflict," he added.

According to the Pentagon, the operation focuses on three primary objectives: neutralizing Iran's ballistic missile capabilities, dismantling its naval forces, and preventing Tehran from re-establishing its military strength.

"First, we are targeting and eliminating Iran's ballistic missile systems. Second, we are dismantling the Iranian Navy. Third, we are ensuring that Iran cannot quickly rebuild or reinstate its combat capabilities," Caine elaborated.

The general confirmed that US forces have already destroyed more than 20 Iranian naval vessels, including a submarine, significantly diminishing Iran's naval presence in the area.

The Pentagon also noted a rare naval engagement during the conflict.

"For the first time since 1945, a US Navy fast-attack submarine has sunk an enemy combatant ship using a single Mark 48 torpedo," Caine stated.

US forces are transitioning to more precise strikes within Iranian territory following initial long-range attacks.

"CENTCOM is now moving from large-scale deliberate strike packages using standoff munitions to precision strikes over Iran," Caine confirmed.

Hegseth stated that the campaign is picking up speed rather than slowing down.

"We are accelerating, not decelerating," he said. "Iran's military capabilities are diminishing by the hour."

The Pentagon also confirmed the loss of six US service members during the early phases of the conflict.

Caine identified four of them: Captain Cody Cork, Sergeant First Class Noah Teegens, Sergeant First Class Nicole Amore, and Sergeant Declan Cody, all from the 103rd Sustainment Command of the US Army Reserve.

"To the families of our fallen heroes, we mourn with you today," Caine expressed.

US officials indicated that several regional allies are participating in defensive operations against Iranian assaults.

Caine mentioned that Jordan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait have intercepted drones and missiles aimed at civilian infrastructure across the region.

Despite the early successes on the battlefield, both officials emphasized that the conflict remains perilous and unpredictable.

"We are now 100 hours into this, and it is still very early," Caine warned. "These operations are intricate, hazardous, and far from concluded."

The United States initiated Operation Epic Fury following months of escalating tensions with Iran over missile attacks and Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

Washington has consistently maintained that the objective of the campaign is to dismantle Iran's missile and military infrastructure and prevent its development of a nuclear weapon.

The conflict has rapidly escalated throughout the Middle East, with regional air defense systems successfully intercepting drones and missiles while US naval forces target Iranian positions across the Persian Gulf and its surrounding waters.