CENTCOM Confirms Destruction of 90% of Iran's Defense Industrial Base
In a briefing on May 18, 2026, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesman Capt. Tim Hawkins stated that Operation Epic Fury has successfully degraded 90% of Iran's defense industrial base. The U.S.-led naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz remains in effect, with over 80 ships redirected and multiple vessels disabled since April. The operation aims to prevent Iran from reconstituting its ballistic missile and drone capabilities following strikes on Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure earlier this year.
Date: May 18, 2026
Location: Iran
Conflict: US-Iran Conflict
Category: naval
Severity: HIGH
Source: Al Arabiya