Washington, March 5 (NationPress) The United States has reported that its military operations against Iran have targeted over 2,000 locations, significantly impairing Tehran's missile and naval strength. This announcement comes as the White House stands by President Donald Trump's initiation of Operation Epic Fury.

On Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the operation commenced last weekend with the goal of neutralizing Iran's missile threats, dismantling its naval capabilities, and curbing the nation's pursuit of nuclear armament.

“Under President Donald J. Trump's leadership, the Iranian regime, known for its terrorism, is facing severe repercussions,” Leavitt told reporters in Washington.

She emphasized that the United States had executed strikes on “over 2,000 targets, effectively demolishing hundreds of ballistic missiles, launch systems, and drones.”

Leavitt highlighted that the operation has hampered Iran's capacity to pose threats to U.S. forces and allies in the region.

“We can confidently say that Operation Epic Fury has proven to be a significant success,” she remarked.

The White House further noted that U.S. forces have dealt substantial damage to Iran’s naval fleet.

“We have eliminated over 20 Iranian vessels, including their leading submarine last night, a torpedo strike that marks the first of its kind since World War II,” Leavitt disclosed.

She added that Iranian naval operations had effectively ceased in critical regional waterways.

“Currently, there are no Iranian ships navigating in the Arabian Gulf Strait of Hormuz or the Gulf of Oman,” she stated.

According to the White House, the military initiative is centered around four primary aims: dismantling Iran's ballistic missile capabilities, deconstructing its naval forces, weakening its regional proxy networks, and obstructing the nation from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Leavitt noted a dramatic decrease in Iranian missile launches since the operation began.

“If you analyze the Iranian ballistic missile launches, they have decreased by 86 percent from the initial day’s figures,” she explained.

The White House also mentioned that senior Iranian officials have been explicitly targeted throughout the campaign.

“We have neutralized 49 high-ranking Iranian regime leaders, including the supreme leader, who have been eliminated,” Leavitt stated.

She asserted that the elimination of these leaders is essential for the security of the United States and its allies.

“Let there be no doubt, removing these dangerous terrorists is beneficial for America and contributes to global safety,” she said.

The administration has acknowledged that six U.S. service members lost their lives during the operation.

Leavitt expressed condolences for their sacrifice and indicated that President Trump intends to be present at the ceremony honoring the fallen troops.

“These individuals exemplify the finest among us,” she remarked.

The White House also confirmed its efforts to evacuate American citizens from the Middle East amid ongoing conflict.

“Since the inception of Operation Epic Fury, over 17,500 Americans have safely returned from the Middle East,” Leavitt noted, adding that “more than 8,500 American citizens returned to the United States just yesterday.”

When asked if regime change in Iran was a goal of the operation, Leavitt refrained from confirming that intention.

“The objectives of this operation are clearly defined,” she stated, listing the destruction of Iran's missile capabilities, naval forces, and nuclear ambitions.

However, she added that the United States stands in support of the Iranian people's quest for freedom.

“As the president has frequently stated, we do not wish to see Iran governed by a rogue terrorist regime. Absolutely not,” she said.

The Strait of Hormuz, situated between Iran and Oman, is recognized as one of the world's most crucial energy passageways, with approximately a fifth of global oil supplies traversing this narrow corridor.