US Prepares ‘Most Intense’ Strikes on Iran as Fighting Escalates
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that today will be the most intense day of US military strikes on Iran since the conflict began. The announcement signals a major escalation, as the United States seeks to weaken Iran’s military capabilities and prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Maximum Airstrikes Planned
At a Pentagon news conference, Hegseth said that the US will launch more fighter jets, bombers, and coordinated attacks than ever before, describing the campaign as “overwhelming and unrelenting.” He emphasized that intelligence for the operation is “more refined and accurate than ever,” allowing US forces to strike Iranian military targets with maximum efficiency.
Hegseth reaffirmed the objectives of Operation Epic Fury, which include:
Destroying Iran’s missile stockpiles and launch systems
Reducing Iran’s naval strength
Severely damaging Iran’s military-industrial complex
Ensuring Iran is **permanently denied nuclear weapons
He stressed that the operation is not about nation-building, highlighting a sharp contrast with previous US military campaigns.
Iran’s Offensive Capability Diminished
Gen. Dan Caine, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, presented a detailed assessment of Iran’s military situation. According to Caine:
Ballistic missile attacks have fallen 90% from the start of the conflict
One-way attack drones have decreased by 83%
More than 50 Iranian naval vessels have been targeted and destroyed
Key military-industrial sites have been hit, focusing on drone production and missile launch facilities
Hegseth also noted that Iran fired the fewest missiles in a 24-hour period since the war began, signaling that US strikes are significantly degrading Iranian capabilities.
Civilian Impact and US Precautions
Residents of Tehran reported heavy overnight bombardment. Many described their homes shaking violently and walls cracking under the force of nearby explosions. One resident said, “Sleeping has become the hardest thing. The walls in our house are full of cracks.”
Hegseth addressed concerns over civilian casualties, stating that the United States takes unprecedented precautions to avoid harming civilians. He added that any credible allegations would be investigated thoroughly, saying, “Open source is not the place to determine what did or did not happen.”
This comes after reports that a US missile struck a military base near a primary school in southern Iran, which Iranian authorities claimed resulted in more than 160 fatalities, including over 100 children.
President Trump Signals Swift Progress
President Donald Trump said earlier that the military campaign is progressing ahead of schedule and suggested the operation could conclude sooner than initially expected.
Oil markets responded to Trump’s comments, with prices falling closer to $90 per barrel after surging past $100 earlier in the week.
Securing Strategic Shipping Routes
The security of the Strait of Hormuz remains a major concern for the US and its allies, as Iran could disrupt the passage of global oil exports.
Gen. Caine said the military is exploring options to escort commercial vessels safely through the strait. Hegseth reinforced Trump’s warning to Iran that the US takes the security of this critical route very seriously.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom is reportedly preparing the naval support ship RFA Lyme Bay for potential deployment in the eastern Mediterranean in case the conflict escalates further.
US Strategic Objectives and Aftermath
When asked about the endgame, Hegseth stressed that the aftermath of the war will serve American interests and the US will not tolerate a scenario in which Iran can threaten the region with nuclear weapons.
He also addressed concerns about Israel’s influence on US actions, stating that the US remains focused on its own objectives and that President Trump is in full control of the operation. Hegseth said, “Our will is endless. The president gets to determine the end state of our objectives.”
US Warns Iran’s New Leader on Nuclear Weapons
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also addressed reports concerning Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. While he could not confirm whether Khamenei had been injured, Hegseth warned the new leader against pursuing nuclear weapons, saying it would be unwise to defy President Donald Trump’s message.
He emphasized that the US remains committed to preventing Iran from developing nuclear capabilities that could threaten regional and global security.
