Washington D.C., March 10:As the ongoing conflict in West Asia marked its 11th day, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declared on Tuesday that “today will be yet again our most intense day of strikes inside Iran,” signaling an escalation in military operations against the Iranian regime.
Speaking to reporters at the Pentagon, Hegseth outlined the United States' ramped-up efforts, emphasizing the increased deployment of fighter jets, bombers, and more coordinated strikes aimed at intensifying the campaign. "Today will be the most intense day of strikes yet—more fighters, more bombers, more strikes. Our intelligence is more refined and accurate than ever," Hegseth stated.
He further confirmed that the US military’s operations will continue until their objectives are fully met, underscoring that the campaign is progressing on Washington’s terms. “We will not relent until the enemy is decisively defeated. But we do so on our timeline, at our choosing,” he added.
Despite the heightened military actions, Hegseth noted a decrease in Iran's missile response over the past 24 hours. “The last 24 hours have seen Iran fire the fewest missiles they have yet,” he remarked.
Joining Hegseth during the briefing was General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Hegseth also addressed comparisons to past US military engagements in the region, particularly the prolonged campaigns under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. "This is not 2003. This is not about endless nation-building or getting stuck in quagmires," he said.
Hegseth highlighted that the US military now enjoys “total air dominance,” and reaffirmed the administration's commitment to achieving the goals set by President Donald Trump. "Our generation of soldiers will not let that happen again. Nor will this president, who ran against endless, nebulous missions. Those days are gone. Instead, we’re winning decisively with brutal efficiency, total air dominance, and an unbreakable will to achieve the president’s objectives," he declared.
The announcement of intensified strikes comes amid growing tensions in the region, following the death of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israel joint military operation on February 28. In retaliation, Iran targeted US and Israeli assets across several Gulf countries, and the strikes also led to the death of key Islamic Republic leaders. ( Agency Input)
