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U.S. Department of Defense Updates on War with Iran: Increased Airstrikes and Defense Budget Request
U.S. Department of Defense Outlines Iran War Status and Objectives
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine provided the latest updates on the ongoing war with Iran. Secretary Hegseth stated that President Donald Trump's primary goals are to deter Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions and degrade its capabilities as a state sponsor of terrorism. He announced that over 7,000 airstrikes have been conducted against Iran within the last 19 days, aiming to neutralize Iran's air defenses and military-industrial base. Additionally, Iranian ballistic missile attacks have decreased by 90%, and kamikaze drone attacks have fallen by 90%.
Saudi Arabian Oil Facility Hit and Emphasis on Alliance Cooperation
The recent Iranian missile attack on a Saudi Arabian oil facility, causing global oil prices to surge towards $120 a barrel, was highlighted. In response, Secretary Hegseth emphasized that the U.S. is confronting Iran's threats decisively, with strong cooperation from Middle Eastern allies such as Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. He stated that this cooperation has led to the sinking or damaging of over 120 Iranian naval vessels and the destruction of 11 submarines. General Caine added that precision airstrikes, including those from B-1, B-2, and B-52 bombers, and UAVs are being used to dismantle Iranian military facilities.
Iran's Terror Activities and U.S. Decisive Response
Secretary Hegseth criticized Iran for engaging in terrorism against the United States, Israel, and its allies for the past 47 years. He specifically noted that over 600 U.S. service members in Iraq died from Iranian-supplied Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs), attributing this to Iran's diversion of national resources to terror activities instead of civilian industries like steel and agriculture. He announced a request to U.S. Congress for $200 billion in additional funding for the Iran war, to be used for ongoing military operations and weapons replenishment. He concluded that the U.S. will decisively counter all threats and remain committed to victory.
*Source: YouTube: CBS News (2026-03-19)*
