US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, revealed that American joint forces have conducted strikes on more than 13,000 targets during the military operation against Iran.
In a briefing, General Caine stated that the intense campaign has successfully destroyed around 80% of Iran’s air defense systems, significantly degrading Tehran’s ability to defend its airspace and launch coordinated attacks.
Scale of the Operation
The strikes, part of the broader US-led campaign that began on February 28, 2026, involved coordinated air, sea, and other assets. General Caine highlighted the precision and effectiveness of the operations, noting major damage to Iranian missile capabilities, naval forces, and command infrastructure.
Strategic Impact
The destruction of a large portion of Iran’s air defenses has allowed the US to achieve greater air superiority, particularly along the southern coast and in key regions. This has limited Iran’s capacity to retaliate effectively with ballistic missiles and drones.
The update comes as a fragile two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran holds, following Pakistan-mediated talks. While the ceasefire includes a pause in major strikes and Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz, US officials continue to emphasise the success of the military pressure applied so far.
The figures underscore the scale of the US operation aimed at neutralising Iran’s offensive threats while the temporary truce provides a window for potential negotiations.