Pentagon: Iran Missile Launches Down 90% Since War Began

WASHINGTON (AP), March 13:  U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that more than 15,000 targets have been struck since the start of military operations against Iran, describing the campaign as an intensive series of air strikes carried out by U.S. and Israeli forces.

Speaking at a news conference at the Pentagon, Hegseth said the strikes have averaged over 1,000 targets per day since the conflict began on Feb. 28.

He also said retaliatory drone attacks by Iran have caused casualties, including a deadly strike in Kuwait that killed six American soldiers.

Hegseth further claimed that Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been wounded and is “likely disfigured,” though he did not provide evidence or additional details regarding the assertion.

Mojtaba Khamenei assumed leadership following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, and had not been seen publicly since the start of the war, prompting speculation about his whereabouts and condition.

On Thursday, however, Khamenei issued his first public remarks since the conflict began, vowing to continue fighting and warning that Iran could open “other fronts” in the war, which has already disrupted global energy markets, the world economy and international travel.