Pete Hegseth Warns U.S. Launching “Most Intense Day” of Iran Strikes Yet
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Tuesday that the military is launching what he called the most intense day of strikes yet inside Iran as the conflict between Washington and Tehran rapidly escalates.
The announcement comes as the war enters its second week, with Iran continuing retaliatory missile and drone attacks while U.S. and Israeli forces increase pressure on Iranian military infrastructure.
Speaking at the Pentagon, Hegseth told reporters that Tuesday’s operations would include the largest concentration of fighters, bombers, and coordinated strikes so far in the campaign, according to Associated Press and Reuters reporting. U.S. officials say the operation targets missile launchers, drone factories, naval vessels, and weapons stockpiles.
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The escalation also comes amid controversy over civilian casualties after a strike on a girls’ elementary school reportedly killed more than 160 people, an incident now under review after early U.S. assessments suggested outdated intelligence may have contributed to the attack.
“Today will be yet again our most intense day of strikes inside Iran,” Hegseth said during the Pentagon briefing.
Military leaders say the campaign has already significantly degraded Iran’s offensive capacity. U.S. officials report more than 5,000 targets hit and over 50 Iranian naval vessels damaged or destroyed since the operation began.
However, Iran continues to launch retaliatory attacks and has threatened regional shipping routes, including the vital Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about global oil supply disruptions and rising fuel prices.
Officials say the next phase of the conflict will focus on maintaining military pressure while monitoring Iran’s ability to continue missile and drone attacks.
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