The U.S. And Israel have significantly degraded Iran’s military capabilities following over two weeks of joint strikes, according to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Hegseth. Speaking on Wednesday, Hegseth stated that more than 15,000 enemy targets within Iran have been struck, resulting in a 90 percent reduction in Iranian missile volume and a 95 percent decrease in the apply of one-way attack drones. He further asserted that Iran’s entire ballistic missile production capacity has been “functionally defeated, destroyed” as of two days prior.
Hegseth’s comments came as tensions remain high across the Middle East, with ongoing missile and drone attacks reported in several Gulf states. Bahrain’s Defence Ministry confirmed intercepting four missiles and three drones on Monday, while Saudi Arabia reported shooting down three drones over Riyadh and western oil-producing regions, claiming over 60 drones targeted the kingdom within hours. A drone strike also triggered a fire at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone in the United Arab Emirates.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, highlighted Iran’s continued threat to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. “Iran has the capability to harm friendly forces in commercial shipping,” Caine stated, adding that targeting Iran’s minelaying capabilities, naval bases, and depots has become a priority for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). CENTCOM continues to conduct strikes against these efforts.
The strikes, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” by U.S. Forces, have impacted over 130 cities in Iran, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society. The operation began over the weekend with large-scale strikes targeting government and military sites, including those related to Iran’s ballistic missile program. As of March 3, 2026, nearly 2,000 targets had been struck, with over 1,250 hit within the first 48 hours of the operation, according to CENTCOM.
Former President Donald Trump indicated on Monday that Operation Epic Fury could last between four and five weeks, though he added the U.S. Possesses the capability to continue operations for a longer duration.
Escalation has extended beyond direct strikes. Israeli strikes in Lebanon have resulted in multiple fatalities, including two children in the southern Lebanese village of Qantara, and three individuals, including two Hezbollah paramedics, in Kfar Sir. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated on Friday that the group is prepared for a prolonged confrontation with Israel, describing the conflict as “an existential battle.”
