Iranian military forces are adjusting their tactics in the ongoing conflict with the United States, targeting American air defense systems and radar installations across the Middle East, according to senior U.S. defense officials. In the 11 days since the conflict began, Iran has launched attacks on key American military infrastructure, including radar systems at Al Udeid base in Qatar and Camp Arifjan in Kuwait.

Military experts note that Iran has learned from previous engagements, specifically targeting interceptors and air defenses that guard U.S. troops and assets in the region. The Iranian military appears to have accepted it cannot match U.S. and Israeli firepower directly but aims to survive the barrage and claim victory. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged the Pentagon did not anticipate Iran's ferocious response against its neighbors, though he insisted these actions were backfiring.

Pentagon officials report that Iran's missile and drone strikes have decreased significantly due to the punishing U.S. air campaign, with ballistic missile attacks down 90 percent and one-way attack drones down 83 percent. However, concerns remain about Iran's remaining missile inventory, with estimates suggesting the country still retains up to 50 percent of its missiles and launchers. The conflict has resulted in seven American troop deaths and approximately 1,300 casualties in Iran, highlighting the escalating nature of the confrontation.