Defense Secretary and Joint Chiefs Chair News Conference

This was a news conference held by the U.S. Defense Secretary and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on April 16, 2026, with participation from the CENTCOM commander, Admiral Bradley Cooper. The briefing focused on the ongoing military blockade against Iran, part of Operation Epic Fury, and the readiness of U.S. forces to resume combat operations if necessary. The Defense Secretary detailed the blockade's enforcement, involving over 10,000 personnel and multiple naval assets, emphasizing the use of advanced destroyers and intelligence capabilities. Admiral Cooper provided updates from his recent visits to the Middle East, highlighting troop morale, rearming efforts, and strong partnerships with regional allies. While the discussion included operational and strategic military updates, there were no specific procurement, contracting, or budget decisions disclosed during the briefing.