Admiral: Iran Military Crippled 90% After US Strikes, Senate Debates

Tensions flared in the US Senate as military brass justified aggressive actions against Iran, claiming a staggering 90% degradation of its armed forces. During a packed Armed Services Committee session, Admiral Charles Cooper II detailed the triumphs of Operation Epic Fury. 'Our forces neutralized Iran's power projection in the Middle East within weeks,' Cooper told skeptical lawmakers. He revealed that missile stockpiles, drone fleets, and naval yards lie in ruins, leaving Tehran's fleet debilitated for decades. The admiral didn't mince words on Iran's role: 'The regime has sown terror across the region and enshrined hostility toward America as core doctrine.' GOP senators provided staunch backing. Roger Wicker recounted Iran's history of terror support and nuclear defiance, framing the strikes as essential deterrence. Tom Cotton argued the Islamic Republic now poses far less danger than before. Cooper concurred, emphasizing Tehran's inability to repeat past large-scale assaults. Yet Democrats pushed back hard. Jack Reed questioned the strategy's viability against nuclear threats, while Tim Kaine lambasted the diplomacy deficit: 'Forsaking talks forces endless conflict.' The Strait of Hormuz emerged as a key worry, with potential closures threatening oil prices and global commerce. Cooper admitted lingering risks but insisted capabilities are 'substantially diminished.' This showdown highlights fractured views on confronting Iran, blending military victories with fears of protracted war and economic fallout. The Senate's verdict could shape America's regional stance for years.