100 Hours of Fire: 5.2 Billion People Watch as US Submarine Sinks Iranian Warship in Historic Torpedo Strike
PENTAGON, WASHINGTON D.C. — In a high-stakes briefing held on March 4, 2026, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Kaine, provided a comprehensive update on the military campaign against the Iranian regime. Labeling the results as "historic," the Pentagon confirmed that the combined power of the United States and Israel has effectively dismantled Iran's primary defensive and offensive capabilities within the first 100 hours of combat.
1. Uncontested Skies: The End of Iranian Air Defense
The most significant development shared during the briefing was the achievement of total air supremacy. Secretary Hegseth announced that as of the previous night, the Iranian airspace is now "uncontested."
"I hope the public understands what uncontested airspace means," Hegseth stated. "It means we fly all day and all night. We are finding, fixing, and finishing the military industrial base of the Iranian military. Our pilots are flying over Tehran, over their capital, and the IRGC leaders look up to see only US and Israeli air power every minute of every day." The Secretary noted that B-2 Spirit, B-52 Stratofortress, and B-1 Lancer bombers, supported by Predator drones, are currently picking targets at will.
2. "Shock and Awe" Reimagined
Secretary Hegseth compared the intensity of Operation Epic Fury to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He claimed that the current campaign has delivered twice the air power of the original "Shock and Awe" while maintaining seven times the intensity of Israel's previous 12-day war against Iran.
Unlike past conflicts characterized by "vague red lines," Hegseth emphasized that President Trump has granted maximum authorities to warfighters. The rules of engagement have been designed to "unleash American power, not shackle it." He made it clear that the US is "punching them while they are down," focusing on a total military victory rather than nation-building.
3. The Evaporation of Iranian Assets
General Dan Kaine provided a grim assessment of Iran’s remaining military strength. According to the Chairman:
- Ballistic Missiles: Iranian missile launches are down 86% since the opening day.
- Drones: One-way attack drone launches have decreased by 73%.
- The Navy: The Iranian Navy has been declared "combat ineffective." In a historic moment, a US Navy fast-attack submarine used a single Mark 48 torpedo to sink an Iranian warship—the first such sinking since World War II.
The Pentagon also confirmed the death of the leader of the unit responsible for attempting to assassinate President Trump, stating, "Iran tried to kill President Trump, and President Trump got the last laugh."
4. Shifting Tactics: From Standoff to "Stand-in"
Because Iran’s integrated air defense systems (IADS) have been neutralized, the US is shifting its tactical approach. General Kaine explained the transition from standoff munitions (long-range missiles fired from outside enemy range) to stand-in munitions.
The US is now using "gravity bombs," including 500lb, 1,000lb, and 2,000lb GPS and laser-guided precision weapons (JDAMs). General Kaine noted that while standoff missiles were used to kick down the door, the US now has a "nearly unlimited stockpile" of precision bombs to systematically destroy deeper inland targets and defense infrastructure.
5. Regional Alliances: A United Front
A unique aspect of this briefing was the credit given to regional partners. General Kaine praised Jordan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait for actively defending their own territories.
- Jordan intercepted clusters of drones headed for Amman.
- Saudi Arabia utilized Patriot batteries to stop salvos aimed at energy facilities.
- Qatar made history by using its fighter jets to shoot down two Iranian bombers heading toward their coastline.
This regional collaboration was described as a "force multiplier," allowing the US to coordinate a simplified "shot doctrine" that maximizes efficiency while conserving high-end interceptor munitions.
6. The Human Cost and the Mission Ahead
The briefing began on a somber note, with General Kaine identifying four of the six American soldiers killed in the conflict. The fallen heroes were members of the 103rd Sustainment Command, US Army Reserves. Despite these losses, the Pentagon remains resolute.
Secretary Hegseth concluded by reiterating the mission's "laser focus":
- Obliterate Iran’s missiles, drones, and production facilities.
- Annihilate its navy and critical security infrastructure.
- Sever every pathway to a nuclear weapon.
"Iran will never possess a nuclear bomb. Not on our watch. Not ever," Hegseth declared. He warned that while the enemy is off-balance, the risk remains high as the US prepares to strike progressively deeper into Iranian territory.
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