As reported by Reuters, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has published dramatic aerial videos that capture precise airstrikes, targeting and obliterating three Iranian military planes on the ground, as part of the ongoing Operation Epic Fury aimed at the Iranian government.
In the statement that accompanied the video shared on social media platforms like X, CENTCOM stated that “the Iranian regime is losing air capability day by day,” stressing that U.S. forces are engaged in not only defending against dangers but also “systematically dismantling them.”
The video showcases laser-targeted strikes igniting a Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport plane, a Lockheed P-3F Orion maritime patrol aircraft— both older American-made models obtained by Iran prior to the Islamic Revolution of 1979—and an Il-76 transport plane of Soviet origin.
The aircraft, stationed on runways or situated in open spaces, burst into flames after the strikes, revealing weaknesses in Iran’s outdated air fleet. Before the conflict, Iran reportedly had about 28 C-130 variants, but issues with maintenance and sanctions have hampered their operational capacity for several years.
This video release occurs during increasing U.S.-Israeli assaults as part of Operation Epic Fury, which started in late February 2026, aimed at Iranian missile launch sites, air defense systems, drone production facilities, and now aviation resources.
CENTCOM has announced a notable reduction in Iran’s ballistic missile launches (down by over 80-90% in some evaluations) along with a broader decline in air strength, repeatedly claiming air superiority over Iranian airspace.
The purpose of the strikes is to eliminate threats posed to U.S. forces, regional allies, and shipping routes in vital waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has contested the full scope of the damages and accused the United States of aggression, while responses on social media vary from doubts about the video’s credibility to expressions of joy over the strategic victories.
The ongoing campaign illustrates increased tensions in the Middle East, with oil prices soaring above $100 amid disruptions in the Persian Gulf.
CENTCOM asserts that these operations focus on immediate risks and diminish the regime’s capacity to exert power in the region.