The United States has issued a warning that its military campaign against Iran is about to enter its most intense phase. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth declared on Tuesday that Washington’s determination in the conflict remains “endless” as the war continues to escalate.
During a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth announced that the latest series of operations, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, would represent the most aggressive round of strikes since the war began. These operations are specifically targeting Iran’s military infrastructure and strategic capabilities.
“Today will be yet again our most intense day of strikes inside Iran,” Hegseth said. “The most fighters, the most bombers, the most strikes. Intelligence more refined and better than ever.”
According to Hegseth, the offensive’s primary focus is on dismantling Iran’s missile stockpiles, launch systems, and defense industrial base. It also aims to cripple the country’s naval forces and prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Hegseth also asserted that the United States and Israel are achieving decisive results on the battlefield, claiming that the campaign is rapidly degrading Iran’s military strength.
“We are crushing the enemy in an unrelenting way,” he said. “We do so on our timeline and at our choosing.”
Dan Caine, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, informed reporters that US-led strikes have significantly diminished Iran’s capacity to retaliate.
Caine noted that ballistic missile attacks from Iran have decreased by 90 percent since the operation commenced, while one-way attack drone launches have dropped by 83 percent.
He further mentioned that the military campaign has also targeted Iranian naval capabilities, with over 50 naval vessels struck since hostilities began.
Caine added that the US military has concentrated its attacks on crucial “centers of gravity” within Iran’s military and industrial infrastructure to prevent the country from producing drones and other advanced weaponry.
Despite the intensifying assault, Hegseth emphasized that the duration and ultimate objectives of the war would be determined by the US President, Donald Trump.
“Our will is endless, but ultimately the president gets to determine the end state of those objectives,” he said.
He pointed out that Trump, as the elected leader, would decide how long the campaign should continue.
Addressing concerns from Americans who oppose the war and criticisms regarding Israel’s influence over the conflict, Hegseth maintained that Washington is pursuing its own strategic goals.
“Israel has been a strong partner, but we are focused on our objectives,” he said, adding that “The president is leading and determining where we want to go. We are not being pulled in any direction.”
During the briefing, Hegseth also issued a warning to Iran’s leadership, particularly amidst reports that the country’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, may have been injured.
While declining to confirm these reports, he cautioned that Tehran should heed Washington’s demand to abandon any nuclear weapons ambitions.
“Khamenei would be wise to listen to the president’s message not to pursue nuclear weapons,” he said.
These remarks came as US officials claimed that Iran’s forces were becoming increasingly weakened by the sustained air campaign, with Hegseth asserting that Tehran was “badly losing” and becoming increasingly isolated in the conflict.
“Iran stands alone,” he said. “And they are badly losing.”
