CENTCOM Chief: Iran Is Acting Out of Desperation

U.S. Central Command chief Brad Cooper gave his first interview since the war began late last night (between Sunday and Monday), addressing the latest developments in the confrontation with Iran. In an interview with the opposition outlet "Iran International," Cooper emphasized that the responsibility for ending the fighting lies with Iran itself.

Cooper said: "Iran can stop this war now, if they choose to do so." According to him, "They are acting out of desperation," noting that "in the past two weeks they have intentionally attacked civilian targets — it has happened more than 300 times."

According to Cooper, alongside the rise in attacks on civilian targets, there is also a decline in Iran's offensive capabilities: "At the start of the conflict you saw large numbers — dozens of drones and missiles. You don't see that anymore. They are now launching one or two at a time." He said the military pressure exerted by the United States and its partners is leading to significant erosion in the ability of Iran's strike systems to operate.

Regarding the overthrow of the regime in Tehran, Cooper called on citizens not to go out to protest at this stage: "You should stay indoors for now. As the president said, at some point you will have a clear signal to go out."

Cooper also addressed the battle over control of the Strait of Hormuz. According to him, U.S. forces and their partners are working continuously to ensure freedom of navigation in the area, including by degrading Iran's naval capabilities. He clarified: "Physically, the strait is open to passage. Ships are not transiting it because Iran is firing at them." Cooper noted that since the start of the campaign, about 140 Iranian vessels have been hit, as part of efforts to reduce the maritime threat.