The next commander of American forces in the Middle East told lawmakers Tuesday that Iran remains a serious threat despite more than a week’s worth of Israeli air strikes and the U.S. B-2 bomber mission that crippled Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, currently the deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, was testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee. The White House nominated him for promotion to four-star admiral and the top position at Central Command.

“They [Iran] possess considerable tactical capability, one element of which we saw yesterday,” Adm. Cooper said.

He was referring to Iran’s decision on Monday to launch a salvo of ballistic missiles at neighboring Qatar, home of Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East.

“Iran is the number one source of instability in the region, the number one source and sponsor of terrorism throughout the world,” Adm. Cooper said. 

He told lawmakers that Tehran has been strategically weakened and tactically degraded since its proxies, like Hamas and Hezbollah, launched their war against Israel in October 2023.

“The degree to which that degradation has taken place, particularly in the last 12 days, is best discussed in a classified forum,” Adm. Cooper said.

At Central Command, he will be taking over for Army Gen. Erik Kurilla, who is expected to retire this summer.

Also testifying Tuesday before the Senate Armed Services Committee was Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, nominated for promotion to full general and assignment as the next commander of NATO, where he will take over for retiring Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli.

• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.