US–Iran War: 13,000 targets destroyed? What the military claims to have damaged in Iran before the ceasefire deal

The US Military has revealed the scale of its operations during the recent US-Iran war, stating that more than 13,000 targets were struck over a 38-day period before a ceasefire was declared on April 7, as per a report by USA Today. The announcement comes amid heightened global scrutiny following strong warnings issued by Donald Trump during the final hours of the conflict.

Ceasefire After Escalating Threats

The ceasefire between the United States and Iran was finalised just hours after Donald Trump warned of severe consequences if Iran failed to comply with U.S. demands. The deadline, set for April 7, marked a critical turning point in the US-Iran war.

Senior officials described the ceasefire as temporary, indicating that military action could resume if tensions escalate again.

Pentagon Calls Campaign a ‘Success’

Top officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, stated that the US Military had achieved its primary objectives. Addressing reporters, officials said the campaign had significantly weakened Iran’s defence capabilities.

However, they cautioned that the ceasefire should be viewed as a pause rather than a resolution, underscoring the fragile nature of the situation.

Scale of Destruction Detailed

According to military briefings, the US Military targeted a wide range of strategic sites, as per a report by USA Today:

• Around 1,500 air defence systems were destroyed
  
• More than 450 ballistic missile storage facilities were hit
  
• Approximately 800 drone storage locations were eliminated
  
• Over 2,000 command and control centres were neutralised
  

Officials also claimed that nearly 80% of Iran’s air defence infrastructure and missile capabilities were rendered inoperative.

The campaign extended to naval operations, with reports indicating that about 150 Iranian vessels were sunk, significantly reducing the country’s maritime strength.

Naval and Strategic Infrastructure Impacted

The conflict also saw extensive operations in the Arabian Gulf, where U.S. forces reportedly destroyed 95% of Iran’s naval mines through more than 700 strikes.

Officials said these actions were crucial in maintaining access to key shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global energy supplies.

The Iranian navy, according to military estimates, has been largely incapacitated, with most of its fleet either destroyed or severely damaged.

Broader Military and Industrial Losses

The Pentagon further stated that the strikes extended to Iran’s defence industrial base, including weapons manufacturing facilities and drone production units.

Officials claimed that nearly 90% of such facilities were targeted, with long-term impacts expected on Iran’s ability to rebuild its military capabilities.

Additionally, around 80% of Iran’s nuclear-related infrastructure was reportedly hit, although questions remain about the status of enriched uranium stockpiles.

Casualties and Ongoing Concerns

While the US Iran war has been described as militarily successful by U.S. officials, it came at a cost. The conflict reportedly resulted in the deaths of 13 American service members and thousands of Iranians.

There have also been concerns over strikes on non-military locations and the broader humanitarian impact, as well as retaliatory actions by Iran targeting U.S. allies in the region.

FAQs

How many targets did the US Military hit in the US-Iran war?

The US Military reported striking more than 13,000 targets over 38 days.

When was the US-Iran ceasefire announced?

The ceasefire was declared on April 7 following escalating tensions.