THE U.S. CLAIMS IT HAS DESTROYED 11 IRANIAN SUBMARINES

U.S. Defense Secretary Says 7,000 Targets Hit in Iran, Dozens of Vessels and 11 Submarines Destroyed

At a Pentagon press briefing today, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the ongoing military campaign against Iran is progressing according to plan, while emphasizing that the Trump administration has not set a specific timeline for ending the conflict.

“The President will decide when everything stops,” Hegseth said.

According to the Defense Secretary, since the conflict began on February 28, U.S. forces have carried out strikes on approximately 7,000 targets across Iranian territory. These operations reportedly hit more than 40 mine-laying vessels and destroyed 11 Iranian submarines of various types.

“Our targeting capability remains as precise as it was on day one, and operations are proceeding exactly as planned,” Hegseth noted. He added that the campaign is focused on dismantling Iran’s missile launch systems, defense industrial infrastructure, and naval forces, while also aiming to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

When asked about the possibility of continued Iranian missile attacks on U.S. allies in the Middle East, Hegseth acknowledged that Iran entered the conflict with a significant arsenal.

“That’s why we are continuing to act decisively and as forcefully as possible to counter their ballistic missile capabilities,” he said, while noting that Iran still retains “some level of capability.”

Hegseth also did not deny reports that the Pentagon has requested more than $200 billion in funding from the White House to support the campaign, which would later be submitted to Congress. “I think that number could change. It takes resources to eliminate bad actors,” he stated.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks at a Pentagon press briefing on March 19. Photo: AFP

During the same briefing, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine said U.S. forces remain “on track” to achieve their objectives and are pushing deeper into Iranian territory.

Iranian officials have not yet responded to these claims.

Before the conflict, Iran’s navy was believed to operate at least 20 submarines, including three Soviet- and Russian-built Kilo-class vessels (two of which were reportedly inactive), one Fateh-class medium submarine, and 16 smaller Ghadir-class submarines developed domestically.

Previously released images by the U.S. military on March 3 showed the IRIS Fateh submarine destroyed while docked at port.

The Middle East conflict has now entered its third week with no clear signs of de-escalation. Both the United States and Israel have claimed progress toward victory, but say military operations will continue until their objectives are fully achieved. Meanwhile, Iran continues to launch missile and drone strikes against targets across multiple countries in the region.

🚨 TRUMP IN MELTDOWN! — Colbert Drops the "Secret" Live on Air! 📺y

Donald Trump Reacts as Stephen Colbert Reveals a Secret LIVE On Air…

New York City — A late-night television segment turned into a political earthquake after a stunning on-air moment involving Stephen Colbert and Donald Trump sent shockwaves through media and political circles alike.

What was expected to be another sharp monologue on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert instead became a viral flashpoint—one that has triggered an intense and immediate reaction from Trump and ignited a wave of debate across the country.

A Routine Show Takes a Sudden Turn

The broadcast began like many others.

Colbert opened with his usual blend of humor and commentary, moving through headlines with his signature sarcasm. The audience responded with laughter, the rhythm of the show unfolding as expected.

Then, without warning, the tone shifted.

Colbert paused, shuffled his notes, and leaned into the camera with a seriousness that immediately caught attention.

“Tonight, there’s something I want to address directly,” he said.

The laughter faded. The room quieted.

The Moment That Changed Everything

What followed was a segment that would quickly dominate headlines.

Colbert began outlining a series of claims and details connected to Donald Trump—framing them as information that had not been widely discussed in such a direct, public way.

He referenced internal dynamics, decision-making patterns, and behind-the-scenes developments that, taken together, painted a picture designed to challenge prevailing narratives.

The delivery was deliberate.

Each point was presented with confidence, building toward a moment that left the audience stunned.

There was a brief pause.

Then a ripple of reactions—gasps, murmurs, scattered applause.

The Internet Reacts Instantly

Within minutes, clips of the segment began circulating online.

Social media platforms lit up as viewers shared excerpts, debated interpretations, and replayed key moments. The phrase “Colbert live reveal” quickly began trending, accompanied by a surge of commentary from political analysts, comedians, and everyday viewers.

The reach was immediate—and massive.

But the most dramatic response was yet to come.

Trump Fires Back

Sources indicate that Donald Trump became aware of the segment almost immediately—and his reaction was swift.

Statements followed in rapid succession.

Trump forcefully rejected the claims made during the broadcast, dismissing them as misleading and politically motivated. His tone was sharp, his language direct, and his response unmistakably intense.

Observers noted a level of frustration that stood out even by his standards.

“It wasn’t a measured rebuttal,” one analyst said. “It was an emotional reaction to a moment that caught him off guard.”

A Clash Between Comedy and Power

At the heart of the controversy is the unique role of late-night television in modern political discourse.

Figures like Stephen Colbert operate at the intersection of entertainment and commentary—using humor to engage with serious issues.

But moments like this blur the line.

When a comedic platform becomes the stage for what is framed as a serious revelation, the impact can be amplified in unexpected ways.

“It changes the dynamic,” a media expert explained. “People tune in for laughs, and suddenly they’re confronted with something that feels consequential.”

Inside the Studio

Those present during the taping described a noticeable shift in atmosphere as the segment unfolded.

The audience, initially relaxed, grew increasingly attentive. Reactions became more subdued, more focused. By the end of the segment, the energy in the room had transformed.

“It felt different,” one attendee said. “You could tell this wasn’t just another joke.”

Producers reportedly recognized the significance of the moment in real time, allowing the segment to play out without interruption.

Political Fallout Builds

The aftermath has been swift and far-reaching.

Supporters of Stephen Colbert praised the segment as bold and impactful, arguing that it demonstrated the power of media to hold influential figures accountable.

Critics, however, pushed back, questioning the framing and intent of the segment. Some argued that late-night platforms should not present serious claims without the rigor of traditional journalism.

Meanwhile, Trump’s response has only intensified the spotlight.

The back-and-forth between the two figures has become a central focus of the story, drawing attention from across the political and media landscape.

The Power of Live Broadcasting

One of the defining elements of this moment is the fact that it unfolded live.

There was no delay, no editing, no opportunity to revise.

Everything happened in real time—and that immediacy has shaped how the moment is being perceived.

“Live TV creates a sense of authenticity,” one commentator noted. “Whether people agree or disagree, they feel like they’re witnessing something raw.”

A Familiar Rivalry, A New Chapter

The relationship between Stephen Colbert and Donald Trump is not new.

Colbert has long been a vocal critic, often using his platform to challenge Trump through satire and commentary. Trump, in turn, has frequently responded to such criticism with direct and forceful rebuttals.

But this moment feels different.

It goes beyond humor and into territory that carries a more serious tone—one that has sparked a broader conversation.

What Happens Next

As the story continues to unfold, several key questions remain:

Will further details emerge to support or challenge the claims made on air?
Will the exchange between Trump and Colbert escalate further?
And how will this moment influence the broader media landscape?

For now, the answers are unclear.

But the attention is undeniable.