Central Command Chief: Military Operations Against Iran Progressing as Planned

The top U.S. Central Command leader told Iranian media that American military efforts against Iran are meeting expectations as Israeli forces launched extensive strikes Monday. The conflict has resulted in over 1,500 Iranian deaths and millions displaced across the region.

The commanding officer of U.S. Central Command reported that military operations targeting Iran are proceeding according to expectations, coinciding with Israel’s launch of what they described as extensive strikes against Iranian military infrastructure on Monday morning.

Navy Admiral Brad Cooper conducted his initial exclusive wartime interview with Iran International, a Persian-language satellite broadcaster, which was broadcast early Monday. Iranian news outlets documented fresh aerial attacks on Tehran but did not specify which locations were targeted.

On Sunday, Iranian officials issued warnings that they might strike American and Israeli energy facilities and critical infrastructure should either nation act on President Trump’s ultimatum threatening to “obliterate” Iran’s electrical grid unless the Strait of Hormuz is completely reopened.

Trump delivered this warning through social media while at his Florida residence over the weekend, facing mounting domestic pressure to secure the waterway as fuel costs continue climbing.

Casualty figures from the ongoing conflict have climbed beyond 1,500 fatalities in Iran, exceeding 1,000 deaths in Lebanon, along with 15 Israeli casualties and 13 American service members killed. Additional civilian deaths have occurred throughout Gulf region territories and waters. Displacement has affected millions across Lebanon and Iran.

During his interview with Iran International, Admiral Cooper stated the U.S. military campaign against Iran remains “ahead or on plan.”

Cooper emphasized that Iran’s persistent strikes against Gulf Arab nations and broader Middle Eastern targets endanger civilian populations.

The admiral revealed that American and Israeli forces are focusing on facilities that produce missiles and unmanned aircraft.

“We’re also going after the manufacturing,” he said. “So it’s not just about the threat today. We’re eliminating the threat of the future, both in terms of the drones, the missiles, as well as the navy.”

Cooper advised Iranian citizens against public demonstrations, despite statements from both Israeli and American officials expressing hope that popular uprising might overthrow Iran’s religious government following the strikes.

“They’re launching missiles and drones from populated areas and you need to stay inside for right now,” Cooper said. “There will be a clear signal at some point, as the president has indicated, for you to be able to come out.”

Regional developments included an Indian citizen residing in the United Arab Emirates suffering injuries from debris following the interception of a ballistic projectile over an industrial zone near Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Saudi Arabia’s military department announced Monday that defense systems stopped one ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh, while another impacted an “uninhabited area.”

The UAE confirmed its air defense networks were actively intercepting incoming Iranian missiles early Monday, providing no additional details.

Both Bahrain and Kuwait activated missile warning systems Monday morning due to Iranian rocket fire, though immediate damage assessments were unavailable.