Hegseth Declares US Winning Against Iran Amid Intensified Strikes
Is the US winning the fight against Iran?
Pete Hegseth has 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. The US military is now entering the 11th day of its operation against Iran, during which ballistic missile attacks from Iran have reportedly diminished by 90% since the campaign began.
To date, the US has struck more than 5,000 targets in Iran, including the destruction of over 50 Iranian naval vessels. Hegseth accused Iran of launching missile attacks from schools and hospitals, further complicating the military landscape.
In a statement, Hegseth asserted, “We will not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated,” highlighting the US’s commitment to its military objectives. He also noted that the US will not engage in what he termed ‘endless nation-building’ in Iran, a clear reference to past military interventions.
President Donald Trump has threatened to escalate strikes on Iran by 20 times if oil flow through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz is disrupted. The US is currently considering various options to ensure that this critical maritime route remains open for tanker traffic.
Hegseth emphasized that Iran is isolated and ‘badly losing’ in this conflict, as the US military has dropped dozens of 2,000lb GPS-guided penetrating weapons on missile launchers, contributing to the significant decrease in Iranian missile and drone attacks.
Background context indicates that the US had previously claimed to have ‘obliterated’ Iran’s nuclear program following strikes on key facilities in June 2025, setting the stage for the current military operations.
As the situation evolves, the international community is closely monitoring the developments in the region, particularly the implications of the US’s military strategy and its potential impact on Iran’s capabilities.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of casualties or damage caused by the ongoing strikes, but reports indicate that a recent strike on an all-girls school resulted in the deaths of 165 individuals, raising concerns about civilian safety amidst military operations.
With the US military campaign continuing, the future of US-Iran relations remains uncertain, as both sides navigate the complexities of this ongoing conflict.
