Are US military operations against Iran proving effective?
In a recent statement, Pete Hegseth declared that the United States is ‘winning’ in the fight against Iran, emphasizing that today marks the ‘most intense day’ of US strikes inside the country. This assertion comes as the US military enters the 11th day of its operation against Iran, which has reportedly led to a dramatic decrease in ballistic missile attacks from the nation.
According to military sources, ballistic missile attacks from Iran have diminished by 90% since the onset of the US campaign. Furthermore, the US has struck over 5,000 targets in Iran, including the destruction of more than 50 Iranian naval vessels. Hegseth noted that the US military has utilized dozens of 2,000lb GPS-guided penetrating weapons on missile launchers, contributing to the operational success.
Hegseth accused Iran of launching missile attacks from civilian areas, including schools and hospitals, complicating the military response. He emphasized that the US will not engage in endless nation-building in Iran, a clear reference to past military interventions in the region.
Former President Donald Trump has also weighed in on the situation, threatening to increase strikes on Iran by 20 times if oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz is halted. The US is currently considering options to ensure that this vital shipping route remains open for tanker traffic.
In a tragic incident, 165 people were killed in a strike on an all-girls school, with 170 girls reportedly in class at the time. This incident has raised concerns about the collateral damage associated with the ongoing military operations.
Hegseth stated, “We will not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated,” reinforcing the US commitment to its military objectives in the region. He added, “Iran stands alone, and they are badly losing,” highlighting the perceived isolation of Iran amidst the ongoing conflict.
The background of this conflict includes previous US claims of having ‘obliterated’ Iran’s nuclear program after strikes on key facilities in June 2025. This context adds to the complexity of the current military operations.
As the situation evolves, the international community is closely monitoring the developments. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the US military’s impact on Iran’s capabilities and the potential for further escalation in the conflict.
