The United States has announced the completion of its primary military objectives in Iran, following a 38-day campaign that American officials claim has neutralised the country’s strategic defense and industrial capabilities.
Speaking at the Pentagon alongside Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force General Dan Caine confirmed that while the US has met its goals, the military remains in a state of high alert.
“A ceasefire is a pause and the joint force remains ready if ordered or called upon, to resume combat operations with the same speed and precision as we’ve demonstrated over the last 38 days and we hope that that is not the case,” General Caine stated.
Widespread destruction of military assets
The scale of the operation was revealed to include strikes on more than 13,000 targets across the country. US military assessments indicate that approximately 80% of Iran’s air defense systems and over 90% of its conventional naval fleet have been obliterated.
Secretary Hegseth described the outcome as a “decisive military victory,” asserting that the US now maintains total control over Iranian airspace.
“Iran’s air force has been wiped out. Iran no longer has an air defense, any sort of a comprehensive air defense system. We own their skies. Their missile program is functionally destroyed. Launchers, production facilities and existing stockpiles depleted and decimated and almost completely ineffective,” Hegseth noted during the briefing.
Industrial base ‘razed to the ground’
The assault specifically targeted Iran’s ability to manufacture advanced weaponry, Hegseth claimed. A wave of 800 strikes on a recent Tuesday night reportedly dismantled the nation’s industrial framework, leaving it unable to produce rockets, missiles, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Hegseth emphasised the efficiency of the campaign, claiming that “(Iran) can no longer build missiles, build rockets, build launchers, or build UAVs. Their factories have been razed to the ground”.
The Defense Secretary added that the US achieved these results using less than 10% of its total combat power.
Strait of Hormuz and uranium
On the economic front, Hegseth announced that the vital Strait of Hormuz is now open for maritime traffic. While both US and Iranian forces are monitoring the passage, the US expects the free flow of commerce to resume.
“What has been agreed to, what’s been stated, is the strait is open. Our military is watching, sure, their military is watching, but commerce will flow,” Hegseth told reporters.
However, the US military intends to maintain a presence in the Middle East to ensure compliance with ceasefire terms. Hegseth also issued a stern ultimatum regarding Iran’s nuclear material, stating that the country must surrender its enriched uranium or the US would “take it out”.
Despite US assurances, the international shipping community remains cautious. A senior Iranian official reportedly told Reuters that the Strait might open in a “limited and controlled way” later this week, ahead of diplomatic talks in Pakistan.
Major firms like Maersk have indicated they require further safety guarantees before resuming transits. “Any decision to transit the Strait of Hormuz will be based on continuous risk assessments, close monitoring of the security situation, and available guidance from relevant authorities and partners,” the container shipper stated.
