US Strikes Cripple Iran's Military, but Some Capabilities Remain

Despite claims of decimation, Iran retains ability to strike back and defend itself, officials acknowledge.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:56am

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A photorealistic painting in the style of Edward Hopper, depicting a solitary Iranian military radar system or missile launcher in a quiet, urban setting, with warm sunlight casting deep shadows across the scene.As the U.S. and Iran head to the negotiating table, the true extent of damage to Iran's military capabilities remains uncertain.Washington Today

Since the ceasefire between Iran and the U.S. was announced, leaders in President Donald Trump's administration have claimed that Iranian military and arms capacity have been all but wiped out during weeks of fighting. However, there is also an acknowledgment that Tehran retains some capabilities, whether to strike back or defend itself.

Why it matters

The ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran has significant geopolitical and security implications for the region. While the U.S. has claimed major degradation of Iran's military capabilities, the fact that Iran still retains some ability to respond raises concerns about the potential for further escalation and the stability of the ceasefire.

The details

According to Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the U.S. military has hit more than 13,000 targets in Iran, including high percentages of attacks or destruction to Iran's air defenses, navy, and weapons factories. However, the totals stop short of Iran's military capabilities being 'decimated' as the Republican president has asserted. Independent data shows Iranian strikes persisted at a relatively steady and uninterrupted pace since the war began on February 28. While the U.S. claims to have destroyed more than 95% of Iran's naval mines and 90% of its weapons factories, officials acknowledge that Iran can still shoot down U.S. aircraft and may be able to rebuild or obtain weapons in other ways.

  • The conflict between the U.S. and Iran began on February 28, 2026.
  • A ceasefire between the two countries was announced in early April 2026.

The players

Gen. Dan Caine

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Pete Hegseth

U.S. Defense Secretary.

Karoline Leavitt

White House Press Secretary.

Donald Trump

President of the United States.

Israel

A key U.S. ally in the region, with a sophisticated aerial defense system.

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What they’re saying

“All of these systems are gone.”

— Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

“Iran no longer has an air defense and we own their skies.”

— Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary

“A Country supplying Military Weapons to Iran will be immediately tariffed, on any and all goods sold to the United States of America, 50%, effective immediately.”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

Iran, Israel, and the United States are set to head into negotiations this weekend in Pakistan to discuss the ongoing conflict and ceasefire.

The takeaway

While the U.S. has claimed significant degradation of Iran's military capabilities, the fact that Iran still retains some ability to respond raises concerns about the potential for further escalation and the stability of the ceasefire. The upcoming negotiations in Pakistan will be crucial in determining the path forward and the long-term implications of the conflict.