Attacks On US Forces Down 90%, Over 7,000 Targets Hit In Iran: Hegseth

Last Updated:March 19, 2026, 18:28 IST

The US reports a 90% drop in Iranian attacks on its forces, with over 7,000 targets hit. Defense Secretary Hegseth credits US-Israeli strikes on Iran’s military infrastructure.

The United States has claimed a sharp decline in Iranian attacks on its forces, even as it intensifies its military campaign, with over 7,000 targets struck across Iran.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said ballistic missile attacks by Iran have dropped by around 90% since the start of the conflict, alongside a similar decline in one-way “kamikaze" drone strikes.

“All ballistic missile attacks against our forces [are] down 90%… same with one-way attack UAVs," Hegseth said, attributing the drop to sustained US-Israeli strikes on Iran’s military infrastructure.

The remarks come as Washington projects confidence in the war’s trajectory. Hegseth said US forces are “winning decisively" and operating “on our terms," adding that a fresh round of strikes are expected to be among the largest so far which will further escalate pressure on Tehran.

According to US officials, the campaign has focused on dismantling Iran’s missile production, drone capabilities and air defence systems. The Pentagon claims these operations have significantly degraded Tehran’s ability to sustain large-scale attacks.

Since the conflict began, US and allied forces have targeted thousands of sites, including missile launch facilities, drone factories and military bases. The scale of the offensive—over 7,000 targets hit—marks one of the most intense sustained strike campaigns in recent conflicts.

Despite the reported decline, Iran continues to pose a threat. Recent weeks have still seen sporadic missile and drone attacks targeting US bases and allied infrastructure across the Gulf region, though many have been intercepted.

The sharp reduction in attacks suggests a weakening of Iran’s immediate strike capacity, but analysts caution that Tehran could be conserving resources or adapting tactics as the conflict evolves.

News world Attacks On US Forces Down 90%, Over 7,000 Targets Hit In Iran: Hegseth

Read More