US Admiral: Strikes Degraded Iran's Military Capability

A top US military commander’s testimony on Capitol Hill sent ripples through energy and defense markets. Admiral Brad Cooper, speaking to lawmakers on May 15, 2026, stated that a sustained US-Israeli campaign has severely degraded Iran's military and defense infrastructure. The assessment, reported by Al Jazeera, claims the strikes have reduced Iran's operational long-range missile capacity by an estimated 40%, a figure that underscores the intensity of the recent conflict and its potential impact on regional stability.

What Is the Claimed Extent of the Damage?

Admiral Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, provided a direct assessment of the joint military operations. He testified that the strikes successfully targeted critical components of Iran's offensive and defensive systems. The primary focus was on neutralizing Iran's ability to project power across the Middle East.

The testimony detailed the destruction of key assets, including drone manufacturing facilities and naval patrol boats used in the Persian Gulf. Cooper estimated that over 200 long-range ballistic missile sites were rendered inoperable. He also highlighted significant damage to Iran's air defense network, which could lower the risk for future aerial missions if hostilities were to resume.

How Are Energy Markets Reacting?

The admiral's confident testimony did not immediately ease tensions in the oil markets. The geopolitical risk premium, which has kept prices elevated for months, remains a key factor for traders. The comments confirm the scale of the conflict but also implicitly acknowledge the potential for further escalation or retaliation.

Following the hearing, Brent crude futures for July delivery ticked up 0.8% to $92.50 per barrel. This slight increase suggests that while the degradation of Iranian military power is noted, the market remains on edge. The stability of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint, is still the dominant concern for global energy markets.

What Does This Mean for Defense Stocks?

For defense sector investors, the testimony served as a validation of military technology and hardware. Companies whose systems were integral to the campaign saw their stock prices react positively. The successful application of advanced missile defense and precision-strike capabilities reinforces their value proposition to the Pentagon and other allied nations.

In pre-market trading, shares of Raytheon (RTX) rose 1.5%, while Lockheed Martin (LMT) saw a 1.2% gain. The conflict has depleted stockpiles of critical munitions, such as air-to-air missiles and smart bombs. Analysts now anticipate a new round of government contracts worth an estimated $15 billion over the next two years to replenish these inventories.

Are There Counterarguments to This Assessment?

While Admiral Cooper's testimony was assertive, it faces scrutiny. A primary limitation is the lack of independent verification. The damage assessments are based on US and Israeli intelligence, which cannot be publicly confirmed. The actual operational readiness of Iran's remaining forces is difficult to ascertain from the outside.

During the hearing, some lawmakers questioned the financial cost of the operation, which has exceeded $7.5 billion in expended munitions alone. Critics also argue that the focus on conventional military assets ignores Iran's significant capabilities in asymmetric warfare. Its network of regional proxies and sophisticated cyber warfare units may remain fully intact, posing a continued threat to regional stability and global trade.

Q: Has Iran officially responded to Admiral Cooper's testimony?

A: As of this report, there has been no official statement from Tehran regarding the admiral's specific claims. Iranian state-run media has historically dismissed such assessments as propaganda, often releasing footage of military drills to counter claims of weakness. A formal response is expected within the next 48 hours.

Q: Why is the Strait of Hormuz significant in this context?

A: The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most important oil transit chokepoint, with nearly 21 million barrels of oil passing through it daily, representing about 21% of global petroleum liquids consumption. The U.S. naval presence, under Cooper's command, is primarily focused on ensuring this waterway remains open. Any escalation that threatens shipping in the strait could cause a severe spike in global oil prices.

Q: How does this conflict affect global supply chains beyond oil?

A: The heightened military activity in the Persian Gulf has driven up maritime insurance premiums for all commercial vessels operating in the region. War risk premiums have increased by as much as 50 basis points for tanker operators. These costs are passed on to consumers, adding inflationary pressure to goods transported along these critical sea lanes.

Bottom Line

Admiral Cooper's testimony suggests a tactical victory, but the market's reaction indicates the underlying geopolitical conflict and its economic risks are far from resolved.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. CFD trading carries high risk of capital loss.