US Strikes Iranian Targets as CENTCOM Urges Civilians to Stay Indoors

As the conflict with Iran enters its fourth week, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has significantly escalated strikes against Iranian targets, hitting over 8,000 targets, including 130 vessels. Amidst the ongoing operations, CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper issued a direct message to the Iranian people, advising them to remain indoors.

Escalation of US Strikes Against Iran

According to CENTCOM, the U.S. Military has conducted over 8,000 combat flights and utilized 5,000-pound bombs to strike missile sites along Iran’s coastline. These strikes have focused on degrading Iran’s ability to threaten freedom of navigation in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil shipping waterway [1]. The destruction of Iranian ships has been described as “the largest elimination of a navy over a three-week period since World War II” [3].

CENTCOM’s Message to Iranian Civilians

In a rare direct appeal to the Iranian population, Admiral Cooper urged citizens to stay indoors, citing the Iranian regime’s practice of launching attacks from densely populated areas. Speaking to Iran International, an Iranian opposition outlet, Cooper stated, “They are launching missiles and drones from densely populated areas and you should stay indoors for now,” and indicated a future “clear signal… for you to get out” [2].

Iran’s Tactics and Declining Military Capabilities

CENTCOM has accused Iran of intensifying strikes on civilian targets as its military capabilities decline and pressure mounts in the conflict [2]. Cooper characterized Iran’s actions as increasingly desperate. Recent incidents include Iran firing two intermediate-range ballistic missiles at the U.S.-U.K. Military base on Diego Garcia, marking the first operational employ of a ballistic missile at that range [3].

Focus on Disrupting Iranian Threats

The U.S. Has been specifically targeting Iranian intelligence support and radar sites used to track ships in the Strait of Hormuz. A hardened underground facility used to store anti-ship cruise missiles, mobile missile launchers, and other equipment posing a risk to international shipping was also destroyed [4]. CENTCOM remains “zeroed in” on breaking down Iran’s threat to choke off the crucial oil shipping waterway [4].

Recent Developments

As of March 21, 2026, CENTCOM reported having struck over 8,000 Iranian targets [1] and [3].