WATCH: Secretary Pete Hegseth provides update on war with Iran at Pentagon briefing

ABC News
March 31, 2026
3 min read

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Defense Secretary Hegseth reported Iran launched fewer missiles and drones in previous 24 hours, signaling possible de-escalation.

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Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced at a Pentagon briefing Tuesday that Iran launched fewer missiles and drones in the previous 24 hours compared to recent patterns, suggesting a potential de-escalation in the ongoing conflict. Hegseth provided no additional details about the scale of the attack or what prompted the reduction in Iranian strikes. The update indicates the Trump administration is closely monitoring Iran's military activity as tensions remain elevated in the Middle East. The briefing comes amid broader U.S. military posture adjustments under the current administration's approach to the region. Hegseth's statement suggests the Pentagon is tracking real-time changes in Iranian aggression levels as a key metric for assessing the conflict's trajectory.

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