More than 30 Iranian naval vessels destroyed

US forces have destroyed more than 30 Iranian naval vessels since the start of the current military campaign, according to the commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM).

Admiral Brad Cooper said the figure has risen steadily as operations against Iranian military infrastructure and naval assets have continued. Speaking during a briefing, he noted that earlier statements had cited a lower number but that the tally had since increased as further strikes were carried out.

“You may have heard the president say just a little while ago that we have sunk or destroyed 24 ships. That was true at the moment. We’re now up over 30 ships,” Cooper said.

The destruction of Iranian vessels forms part of a wider campaign aimed at degrading Tehran’s military capabilities, including its ability to operate naval forces and launch missiles or drones across the region. US officials say the operations have involved strikes against military facilities, infrastructure and naval units.

The campaign has reportedly targeted a range of vessels, from smaller fast-attack craft to larger warships and support vessels. Among the ships reportedly hit are surface combatants and at least one drone-carrier-type vessel used to deploy unmanned aerial systems.

According to US officials, the strikes have already had a noticeable operational impact. American commanders say Iranian missile and drone attacks have declined significantly following sustained strikes on launch sites, infrastructure and naval platforms.

CENTCOM has not released a full list of the vessels destroyed, and Iranian officials have disputed some of the claims.