U.S. Central Command: Iran Is Militarily Receding and a “New Deterrence Phase” Is Shaping the Middle East

The commander of U.S. Central Command affirmed that Iran, since 1979, has consistently spread instability and projected threats across the Middle East, noting that its arsenal of ballistic missiles and drones has placed significant pressure on the region’s security.

He pointed out that Tehran has continued enriching uranium at levels exceeding civilian use, while U.S. forces, within a short period, were able to achieve military objectives inside Iran, in his words.

He added that Iran’s military capabilities have declined significantly, and that around 90% of its defense industrial base has been destroyed, weakening its ability to produce missiles and drones, according to his account.

He also indicated that Iran’s regional allies, such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, have become more isolated from Iranian support amid recent developments on the ground.

He further stressed that U.S. forces remain in a constant state of readiness, with more than 50,000 troops deployed across the command’s area of operations, explaining that this deployment is intended to support diplomatic options while maintaining readiness to act when needed.

He spoke of a military operation he described as “epic rage,” considering it a turning point in the course of the confrontation that contributed to the collapse of the command-and-control system and the decline of Iran’s military capabilities, according to his assessment.

He concluded by noting that the situation in the region remains complex, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, despite Iran’s reduced ability to disrupt navigation, affirming that the focus remains on three priorities: defending the United States, deterring Iran, and preserving the strategic balance in confronting China.