Pentagon Reports Degradation of Iranian Forces Amid Ongoing Strait of Hormuz Blockade

On March 13, 2026, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that joint U.S.-Israeli strikes under Operation Epic Fury have hit more than 15,000 targets across Iran. During a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth stated that Iran's new Supreme Leader has been 'wounded and disfigured' in the campaign. Military successes cited include the sinking of an Iranian naval warship via torpedo and the systemic destruction of the regime's ballistic missile infrastructure. Hegseth characterized Iran's current posture as one of 'sheer desperation' while emphasizing that President Trump maintains control over the pace of the military engagement. The military escalation has resulted in a total paralysis of the Strait of Hormuz, where hundreds of oil tankers remain stationary and several vessels are reportedly on fire. This blockade has drawn international condemnation; a UN Security Council resolution denouncing Iran's 'egregious attacks' on Gulf civilians was supported by 140 co-sponsors, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, though a more stringent measure was vetoed by Russia. Domestically and internationally, critics have raised alarms regarding the economic and humanitarian toll of the conflict. Economist Jeffrey Sachs labeled the campaign a 'war of choice,' arguing that the abandonment of prior nuclear agreements has led to regional instability and a global energy crisis. While U.S. officials maintain the offensive is necessary to degrade Iranian capabilities, the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz is driving significant volatility in global energy markets.