WASHINGTON D.C. April 23, 2026 – A new CBS News report citing multiple U.S. officials reveals that approximately two-thirds of Iran’s air force is still believed to be operational, even after more than a month of intensive U.S. and Israeli airstrikes under Operation Epic Fury.
The assessment, based on the latest U.S. intelligence, indicates that while Iranian air power has been significantly degraded, it has not been eliminated. The campaign, which began on February 28, 2026, targeted thousands of sites including air defense systems, missile and drone production and storage facilities, military airfields, naval assets, and leadership compounds.
This assessment stands in contrast to earlier public statements from the Trump administration. President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had described the operation as having effectively destroyed key elements of Iran’s military. Trump stated, “We’ve taken out their navy, we’ve taken out their air force, we’ve taken out their leaders,” while Hegseth called Operation Epic Fury “a historic and overwhelming victory… a capital V military victory” that rendered Iran’s military “combat ineffective for years to come.”
U.S. officials told CBS that Iran’s resilience stems from pre-strike dispersal of fighter jets and the use of hardened shelters, which limited damage to core combat aircraft. Strikes appear to have inflicted heavier damage on support infrastructure, production facilities, and air defenses than on the fighter fleet itself. Similar intelligence suggests Iran retains roughly 60% of its missile capabilities and 40% of its drone assets, with its navy still able to operate in parts of the Gulf.
The operation, jointly conducted by the United States and Israel, was launched in response to Iranian missile and drone attacks on Israel and U.S. positions in the region. A ceasefire was declared in early April.
The CBS report notes that these findings could affect ongoing diplomatic negotiations and ceasefire enforcement. Regional analysts say the remaining capabilities may complicate claims of a decisive long-term victory and influence future security dynamics in the Middle East.
Life News Agency will continue monitoring developments as more details emerge from U.S. intelligence assessments and regional responses.
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