Hegseth has repeatedly said the US is upping the frequency of its Iran strikes. The data tells a different story
CNN • • nation
Key Points:
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has repeatedly claimed the US is escalating the number and intensity of strikes against Iran, promising "more and larger waves" of attacks and the "largest strike package yet."
- However, data from US Central Command shows the pace of strikes has fluctuated over the past three weeks, with no steady daily increase as Hegseth suggested, partly due to maintenance needs and the process of identifying new targets.
- Despite significant degradation of Iran’s military capabilities and high-profile Israeli strikes on Iranian leaders, Iran continues to pose challenges, including threats in the Strait of Hormuz and retaliatory actions against US forces.
- Analysts note that an initial surge of strikes was followed by a moderated, sustained campaign averaging below 1,
