CENTCOM requests 100+ day intel deployments for Operation Epic Fury — signals US unprepared for prolonged Iran conflict

CENTCOM has asked the Pentagon for emergency reinforcements of military intelligence officers to be deployed to its Tampa headquarters for at least 100 days to support Operation Epic Fury against Iran, according to Politico. The request implies current intelligence capacity was insufficient when strikes began on Feb. 28, suggesting the Trump administration initiated large-scale action without full preparation. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said March 2 the campaign "has only just begun" and will expand; Pentagon data cited large initial reductions in Iranian ballistic missile (‑86%) and hostile UAV (‑73%) activity within the first 100 hours. However, a Pentagon source told Congress there was no intelligence showing Iran planned to strike U.S. forces first, creating tension with the administration’s "preemptive self-defense" rationale. Rising regional risk has prompted U.S. naval escorts through the Strait of Hormuz to protect oil shipments; disruption there could sharply affect global oil prices. For crypto markets, Bloomberg noted BTC fell toward $63k after initial strikes then rebounded above $70k, indicating reduced sensitivity to geopolitical shocks so far. Still, extended conflict and reports of intelligence shortfalls could raise risk premia; Hyperliquid’s oil and gold perpetuals open interest has reached record highs and may act as a crypto-native hedging indicator. Key names: CENTCOM, Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, Operation Epic Fury. Key figures: 100+ day deployment request, 100-hour combat statistics (‑86% ballistic missiles, ‑73% strike drones).