Iran also shot down an A-10 attack plane Friday, though the pilot of that aircraft managed to fly it back to friendly airspace before ejecting safely, officials said. But administration officials said Hegseth’s claim was incorrect and that lower 24-hour periods occurred March 14, 15 and 22. Other U.S. officials said Hegseth’s focus on launch volume is dubious even if his numbers were close to accurate. “You saw a bunch of missile and drone attacks at the start — and then it dropped off precipitously,” the person said. While some officials said the president’s repetition of Hegseth’s rhetoric is concerning, another worry is whether the defense secretary is explaining the evolving complexity of the conflict to Trump.

Source: Washington Post April 07, 2026 18:05 UTC