US Announces Intensified Strikes on Iran, Claims Significant Military Degradation

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that US and Israeli forces have struck over 15,000 targets in Iran since February 28, significantly degrading Iran's missile and drone capabilities by over 90%. He stated that Friday would see the highest volume of US strikes yet, with President Donald Trump controlling the conflict's pace. Hegseth also claimed that Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is wounded and likely disfigured. The US continues to address threats in the Strait of Hormuz and maintains contingency plans for escalation.