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US Claims Iran Forces Hit by Desertions Amid Sustained Military Campaign

The United States claims its ongoing military campaign is eroding Iran's armed forces, citing intelligence about declining morale and widespread desertions. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that US strikes have damaged Iranian military cohesion and destroyed key command bunkers. Pentagon officials report a decline in Iranian missile and drone attacks, with over 11,000 targets struck in the past month. The campaign aims to systematically degrade Iran's ability to project power and push Tehran towards negotiations over its nuclear program.

Key Points: US Says Iran Military Facing Desertions, Low Morale

  • US cites intel on Iranian military desertions
  • Strikes target command bunkers and infrastructure
  • Goal is to degrade Iran's power projection
  • Officials note decline in Iranian missile attacks
  • Campaign aims to push Tehran to negotiations
2 min read

US says Iran forces hit by desertions

Pentagon cites intel on Iranian military desertions and shortages after sustained US strikes targeting command bunkers and defense infrastructure.

"The latest intel is clear... strikes are damaging the morale of the Iranian military, leading to widespread desertions - Pete Hegseth"

Washington, March 31

The United States on Tuesday said that its ongoing military campaign against Iran is eroding the country's armed forces, citing intelligence assessments of declining morale, desertions and shortages among key personnel.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters at a Pentagon news conference that the US strikes are increasingly affecting Iranian military cohesion and command structures.

"The latest intel is clear... strikes are damaging the morale of the Iranian military, leading to widespread desertions, key personnel shortages and causing frustrations amongst senior leaders," Hegseth said in response to a question.

He added that US forces have destroyed key command bunkers, forcing Iranian leaders to operate under constrained conditions.

"We recently destroyed another one of their command bunkers... no water, no power, no oxygen, no command and control," he said.

Officials also pointed to a decline in Iranian missile and drone attacks, describing the past 24 hours as seeing the "lowest number" since the conflict began.

At the operational level, the Pentagon said US forces have struck more than 11,000 targets in the past month, focusing on missile systems, naval assets and defence infrastructure.

Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine said the campaign is aimed at systematically degrading Iran's ability to project power beyond its borders.

"We continue to deliver precision strikes... against key manufacturing nodes, component storage sites, research facilities," he said.

US officials said the combination of sustained strikes and pressure on supply chains is limiting Iran's ability to replenish its military capabilities.

The Pentagon indicated that targeting Iran's defence industrial base would have long-term effects, reducing its ability to rebuild weapons systems over time.

The conflict reflects a broader effort by Washington to weaken Iran's military posture while pushing Tehran towards negotiations over its nuclear and missile programmes.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The Pentagon's claims need to be taken with a pinch of salt. They have a history of overstating battlefield successes. Remember Iraq? I hope this doesn't escalate further and affect oil prices and global trade. Our economy is just recovering, we don't need another crisis. 🙏
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Rohit P
From an Indian security perspective, a weakened Iran is a double-edged sword. It might reduce proxy threats in our region, but it also creates a power vacuum that others might fill. Our foreign policy needs to be very nimble right now. Good analysis in the article.
S
Sarah B
"Destroying command bunkers with no water or oxygen" – this sounds inhumane. Is this what modern warfare has become? The goal should be peace talks, not boasting about creating miserable conditions. The international community needs to push harder for a ceasefire.
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Vikram M
The mention of targeting the defence industrial base is key. That's a long-term strategy. But Iran is resilient. I doubt they will come to the negotiating table just because of desertions. This conflict could drag on, and we in India will feel the ripple effects through trade routes and energy security.
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Karthik V
Respectfully, I think the article is too one-sided, just presenting the US view. Where is the Iranian response? A good journalist should always seek the other side of the story, especially in conflict reporting. This reads like a Pentagon press release.

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