Are US military operations against Iran yielding results?
Pete Hegseth has recently 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, during which ballistic missile attacks from Iran have reportedly diminished by 90% since the campaign began.
As of now, the US has struck over 5,000 targets in Iran, including the destruction of more than 50 Iranian naval vessels. Hegseth has accused Iran of launching missile attacks from civilian structures such as schools and hospitals, complicating the military landscape.
In a statement, Hegseth asserted, “We will not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated,” highlighting the US commitment to its military objectives. He further noted that Iran is ‘badly losing’ and emphasized that the current operations are not aimed at endless nation-building, stating, “This is not 2003. This is not endless nation-building.”
Amid these developments, President Donald Trump has threatened to escalate strikes on Iran by 20 times if oil flow through the strategic Strait of Hormuz is disrupted. The US is currently considering options to ensure that this vital shipping lane remains open for tanker traffic.
Hegseth’s comments come in the wake of a tragic incident where a US strike resulted in the deaths of 165 individuals at an all-girls school, with 170 girls reportedly present in the classroom during the attack. This incident underscores the complexities and humanitarian concerns surrounding the ongoing military operations.
As the US military continues its campaign, the reduction in Iran’s missile and drone attacks is notable, with a reported 83% decrease in one-way attack drones since the operation commenced. The US has deployed dozens of 2,000lb GPS-guided penetrating weapons on missile launchers, further intensifying the military response.
While the US has previously claimed to have ‘obliterated’ Iran’s nuclear program after strikes on key facilities in June 2025, the current situation raises questions about the long-term implications of these military actions.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the impact on Iran’s military capabilities and the potential for further escalation in the region.
