U.S. Military Says Iran Now Has "Zero" Ships in the Gulf of Oman After Major Strikes

March 3, 2026 - TAMPA, Fla. (Central Command Headquarters) - U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that Iran's naval presence in the Gulf of Oman has been completely eliminated, declaring that the Iranian regime went from 11 ships to none in just 48 hours. The statement, posted on X, marks one of the most sweeping U.S. military actions against Iran's maritime forces in decades.

CENTCOM's Statement and Its Significance

CENTCOM's message was blunt:

"Two days ago, the Iranian regime had 11 ships in the Gulf of Oman, today they have ZERO. The Iranian regime has harassed and attacked international shipping in the Gulf of Oman for decades. Those days are over. Freedom of maritime navigation has underpinned American and global economic prosperity for more than 80 years. U.S. forces will continue to defend it."

The command framed the operation as a decisive step to protect global commerce, noting that the Gulf of Oman and the adjacent Strait of Hormuz are among the world's most critical energy corridors. Roughly one‑fifth of global oil supply passes through these waters.

What Happened in the Gulf of Oman

According to CENTCOM and multiple international outlets:

- All 11 Iranian naval vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman were destroyed or rendered inoperable.

- The strikes were part of Operation Epic Fury, a broader U.S. campaign targeting Iran's missile infrastructure, naval assets, and command centers.

- Video released by CENTCOM shows precision strikes on docked vessels and support facilities, including Iran's first drone carrier, IRIS Shahid Bagheri.

- Satellite imagery also revealed severe damage at Iran's naval base in Bandar Abbas, where multiple ships burned for more than 24 hours.

U.S. officials have not publicly detailed the exact mix of aircraft or naval platforms used, but reporting indicates a coordinated air‑and‑sea operation designed to neutralize Iran's ability to threaten shipping lanes.

Why the Gulf of Oman Matters

The Gulf of Oman connects the Arabian Sea to the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint essential to global energy markets. For decades, U.S. and allied governments have accused Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) of:

- Harassing commercial vessels

- Seizing tankers

- Laying naval mines

- Conducting drone and missile attacks on civilian and military ships

CENTCOM's statement suggests the U.S. intends to prevent Iran from re‑establishing a maritime foothold in the area.

Broader Context: Operation Epic Fury

The elimination of Iran's ships is one part of a much larger military campaign. According to reporting:

- Operation Epic Fury began on February 28, 2026, under President Donald Trump's directive.

- More than 1,250 targets have been struck across Iran, including IRGC headquarters, missile sites, and air defenses.

- U.S. B‑1 bombers have conducted deep strikes on Iran's ballistic‑missile infrastructure.

- CENTCOM says the operation aims to destroy Iran's missile arsenal, dismantle production facilities, and neutralize proxy networks.

Iran has claimed to have inflicted damage on U.S. forces, including sinking an American carrier, but CENTCOM has dismissed these statements as disinformation.

What Comes Next

CENTCOM has stated that U.S. forces will continue to defend maritime navigation and respond to Iranian missile launches, which remain ongoing. The situation is fluid, and additional military actions or regional responses are possible as Operation Epic Fury continues.