How the First 100 Hours of Operation Epic Fury Shaped the Ceasefire

(US Army) Toggle Table of Contents Contents Contents Share to Twitter Twitter Share to Facebook Facebook Share to LinkedIn LinkedIn Share to E-mail E-mail Print Print Below is data compiled by the Hudson Keystone Defense Initiative, led by Director and Senior Fellow Rebeccah Heinrichs, which demonstrate the sharp decline in Iranian missile and drone launches in the first 100 hours of Operation Epic Fury, spanning February 28 to March 3, 2026. View Data Sources Iranian missile and drone launches plummeted in the first 100 hours of Operation Epic Fury. As of March 25, Iranian launch rates have been diminished by over 90 percent, according to US Central Command. Since the onset of the conflict, the United States has struck more than 13,000 Iranian targets. Figure 1 Source: Author. The data demonstrate the effectiveness of the US-Israeli joint force operation in degrading Iran’s ability to attack US forces and partners in the region from the outset of Operation Epic Fury. Missile and drone launch rates declined by approximately 90 percent within the first 100 hours of operations, a trend that persisted as the campaign continued. In fewer than six weeks, Tehran has suffered a significant degradation in its ability to project power beyond its borders. In response, the United States announced a two-week ceasefire on April 7. With Iran’s capabilities substantially weakened, the United States is now in a position to lead international efforts to clear the Strait of Hormuz. These developments have three immediate policy implications for the Departments of War and State as the United States seeks to advance its interests. Policy Implications 1. International maritime security The degradation of Iran’s strike capabilities creates the opportunity for the United States and its allies to establish an international armada to secure the Strait of Hormuz and maintain normal shipping traffic. The United States and its allies cannot allow the rump Iranian regime to threaten international shipping. The US delegation should seek to secure a formal Iranian commitment to cease threats against the strait during negotiations in Pakistan. 2. Leverage after the ceasefire If, after the two-week ceasefire, the Iranian regime remains intent on exporting its so-called revolution and refuses to end its illegal nuclear program, the United States should resume Operation Epic Fury in pursuit of remaining objectives, including securing the regime’s enriched uranium. 3. Internal political dynamics in Iran The United States should continue its efforts to find a cooperative interim government capable of providing stability prior to the emergence of a government led by the Iranian people. Washington should also encourage defections within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and reaffirm US support for the Iranian population. Figure 2 Source: Author. View Data Sources Enjoyed this analysis? Subscribe to Hudson’s newsletters to stay up to date with our latest content. Email See more subscription options Missile Defense