Is the US winning the fight against Iran?
Pete Hegseth has declared that the United States is ‘winning’ in its military campaign against Iran, which has entered its 11th day. He stated that today would be the ‘most intense day’ of US strikes inside Iran, emphasizing the campaign’s effectiveness.
According to Hegseth, ballistic missile attacks from Iran have diminished by 90% since the start of the US military operation. The US has struck more than 5,000 targets in Iran to date, including the destruction of over 50 Iranian naval vessels.
Hegseth accused Iran of firing missiles from schools and hospitals, highlighting the challenges faced by US forces. The military has dropped dozens of 2,000lb GPS-guided penetrating weapons on missile launchers, contributing to the significant decrease in Iran’s missile and drone attacks.
Trump has threatened to increase strikes on Iran by 20 times if oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz is stopped, indicating a potential escalation in military actions. The US is also considering options to ensure the Strait remains open for tanker traffic.
Hegseth emphasized that the US will not engage in endless nation-building in Iran, stating, “This is not 2003. This is not endless nation-building.” He further asserted, “We will not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated.”
In a recent strike, 165 people were killed at an all-girls school, where 170 girls were in class at the time. This incident has raised concerns about the collateral damage of the ongoing military operations.
Background context reveals that the US has previously claimed to have ‘obliterated’ Iran’s nuclear program after strikes on key facilities in June 2025. This ongoing conflict has seen a significant escalation in military engagement.
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, with uncertainties remaining about the long-term implications of these military actions. Details remain unconfirmed.
