Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, revealed that the U.S. military consumed almost one million gallons of coffee during Operation Epic Fury, the nearly six-week conflict with Iran. The figure, shared during a briefing on April 8, 2026, also included the consumption of more than 6 million meals, 2 million energy drinks, and a significant but unspecified amount of nicotine.
“By my estimate, more than 950,000 gallons of coffee” equates to roughly 7.6 million cups, Caine said. He did not specify the brands or types of energy drinks included in the tally.
The briefing came as a fragile ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran began to take hold following negotiations announced by President Trump and Iranian officials. Caine expressed his respect for the military personnel, emphasizing the harsh and unpredictable conditions they endured.
“This is gritty and unforgiving business,” said Caine. “It’s chaotic, it’s hot, it’s dark, it’s unpredictable, and there’s always unknowns. And our people proudly walked into those unknowns and continue forward.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, participating in the briefing, stated that while the Pentagon has fulfilled its mission “for now,” U.S. forces will remain present in the region to monitor the situation.
Why it matters
The consumption of such large quantities of coffee, energy drinks, and nicotine underscores the intense physical and mental demands placed on U.S. service members during the Iran conflict. These figures reflect not only logistical challenges but also operational stress and the need for sustained alertness in a complex and volatile environment.
Background
Operation Epic Fury began approximately six weeks prior to the announcement of the ceasefire, involving extensive U.S. military engagement with Iranian forces. The ceasefire marks a pause in hostilities, allowing for continued negotiations amid regional tensions surrounding strategic locations such as the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict and its aftermath have drawn significant international attention due to their implications for Middle East stability and global energy markets.
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