General Dan Kaine, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff: "The number of ballistic missiles launched by Iran has decreased by 86% compared to the first day of the conflict, and by 23% in just the past 24 hours. The number of one-way attack drones launched by Iran has decreased by 73% compared to the beginning of the conflict."
The data presented by Kaine mainly conveys the following messages —
Demonstrating the effectiveness of military operations: By using specific data (such as a decrease of 86% and 73%), it shows that the United States and its allies (possibly including Israel) have achieved significant success in intercepting, defending against, or suppressing Iran's firepower through military operations. This is a way to demonstrate battlefield advantages and tactical successes.
Evaluating the situation of the conflict and losses: The data reflects that the intensity of the conflict may be decreasing, or Iran's offensive has been contained. This may imply that Iran's arsenal or ability to sustain attacks is under pressure, or that its tactics are being adjusted.
Strategic communication and deterrence: By publicly releasing these intelligence assessments, the United States aims to show its allies (especially Israel) the reliability of its defense systems and support, to reassure the public; at the same time, it sends a signal to Iran that its attacks are limited and being weakened, thus warning Iran that further escalation of the conflict would be futile, trying to curb the expansion of the conflict.
Shaping public opinion and perception: In the international public opinion, using numbers can more effectively guide the outside world to believe that the threat from Iran is being effectively controlled, thereby gaining time and support for the next steps of the United States and its partners (whether continuing to defend or seeking diplomatic solutions).
In summary, the core purpose of this statement is to highlight battlefield advantages, assess the enemy's losses, reassure allies, and deter adversaries, in order to gain control over the narrative and initiative in the conflict.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1858770798125056/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.