politics
March 16, 2026
US is ‘steadily destroying’ Iran’s ‘most essential’ war tools: Report
Progress in Operation Epic Fury has been “relatively positive” with U.S. and Israeli forces causing significant damage to Iran‘s military capabilities, according to a new assessment released by the Institute for the Study of War. However, more time is required for the joint military operation to achieve its objectives.
TL;DR
- Operation Epic Fury is showing relatively positive progress, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
- U.S. and Israeli forces are steadily damaging Iran's drone and missile capabilities, which are central to its war strategy.
- Iran's overall attack rate is slowly decreasing, with attacks causing less significant damage and casualties compared to potential existential war scenarios.
- Criticism of the operation, including claims that President Trump has lost control of the war, is countered by the ISW report.
- ISW states that declaring Operation Epic Fury a failure is premature and unsupported by facts, as the campaign is incomplete.
- The strikes are focused on Iran's essential tools: drones, ballistic missiles, and naval attacks, with the goal of enabling renewed maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Intelligence suggests significant destruction to Iran's missiles and low morale among Iranian troops, with reports of demoralization, desertions, and refusal of orders.
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