RT by @mikenov: RT by @mikenov: Axios reports that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Adm. Brad Cooper recommended ending the recent bombing campaign around the Strait of Hormuz after concluding it had largely achieved its objectives and reached the limit of its effectiveness. According to Axios, Cooper told senior defense officials that two weeks of strikes had significantly degraded Iran’s ability to attack shipping and that most planned targets had already been hit. He reportedly said the remaining roughly 20% of designated Operation Epic Fury targets would require a return to major combat operations, and that absent such a decision, there was little military value in continuing the

Axios reports that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Adm. Brad Cooper recommended ending the recent bombing campaign around the Strait of Hormuz after concluding it had largely achieved its objectives and reached the limit of its effectiveness.

According to Axios, Cooper told senior defense officials that two weeks of strikes had significantly degraded Iran’s ability to attack shipping and that most planned targets had already been hit. He reportedly said the remaining roughly 20% of designated Operation Epic Fury targets would require a return to major combat operations, and that absent such a decision, there was little military value in continuing the limited bombing campaign.

Axios says Cooper’s assessment, along with warnings from Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine about dwindling air defense interceptor stocks, helped influence President Trump’s decision to pause U.S. strikes on Friday. The report adds that U.S.-Iran talks are continuing while both sides appear to be observing an informal “quiet for quiet” pause.Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid)🇺🇸🇮🇷The top U.S. military commander in the Middle East, Adm. Brad Cooper, recommended stopping the bombing campaign around the Strait of Hormuz because it has reached the limit of its effectiveness. My story on  @axios
axios.com/2026/07/26/hormuz-…—  https://x.com/BarakRavid/status/2081437868266754131

— @sentdefender Jul 26, 2026