US and Israeli strikes destroy 90 percent of Iran weapons factories as ceasefire begins September 4 2026

US and Israeli forces hit 15,000 targets in 10 days. This is the largest military action in the region in years.
By Newsroom | World News, Military |

FLASH: Pentagon Claims Widespread Damage to Iran's Military Infrastructure

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asserted today that Iran's capacity to produce advanced weapons has been "functionally defeated," with its defense industrial base nearing complete destruction. Speaking at a briefing alongside General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Hegseth detailed significant impacts on Iran's military capabilities.

Hegseth's statements on the destruction of Iran's defense...

Hegseth's statements on the destruction of Iran's defense industrial base were echoed by General Caine, though with nuanced figures, indicating substantial damage to key facilities. A temporary ceasefire has been established, pausing a nearly six-week military campaign.

UPDATE: According to Caine, the recent campaign, a joint effort by U.S.

According to Caine, the recent campaign, a joint effort by U.S. and Israeli forces, has targeted Iran's industrial infrastructure extensively. Caine provided specific figures:

  • Approximately 90 percent of Iran's weapons factories have been hit.

FLASH: Over 80 percent of its missile facilities sustained damage.

  • Over 80 percent of its missile facilities sustained damage.

    • LATEST: Background to the Conflict and Ceasefire

  • Nearly 80 percent of its nuclear industrial base was affected.

    • Hegseth further noted a sharp decline in Iranian military actions, stating that missile attacks are down 90 percent and one-way attack drone strikes have decreased by 95 percent since the outset of hostilities. He also characterized Iran's navy as being "at the bottom of the Persian Gulf" and its air force as disabled.

    The U.S. military is reportedly prepared should the current ceasefire, agreed upon the previous evening, collapse. This ceasefire marks a pause in a nearly six-week joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign against the Islamic Republic.

    FLASH: During the briefing, both Hegseth and Caine took...

    During the briefing, both Hegseth and Caine took a moment to acknowledge the loss of service members, specifically those confirmed killed yesterday when a U.S. Air Force KC-135 refueling tanker crashed in western Iraq. The date of this crash was confirmed as yesterday. The total number of strikes conducted by U.S. and Israeli air forces in the 10 days since the conflict began exceeded 15,000 enemy targets, according to Hegseth. Caine concurred with Hegseth that this period represented "the heaviest day of anti-regime kinetic strikes in the region."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: Why did the US and Israel stop attacking Iran on September 4 2026?
    A temporary ceasefire was agreed upon after a six-week military campaign that significantly damaged Iran's military infrastructure. Both sides have paused fighting, though the US military remains ready if the agreement fails.
    Q: How much damage did the joint US and Israeli strikes cause to Iran's military?
    Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported that 90 percent of weapons factories and 80 percent of missile and nuclear facilities were hit. These strikes have led to a 90 percent drop in missile attacks and a 95 percent decrease in drone strikes.
    Q: What happened to the US Air Force KC-135 tanker in Iraq on September 3 2026?
    A US Air Force KC-135 refueling tanker crashed in western Iraq yesterday. Military officials confirmed the loss of service members during the briefing on the current conflict.