Iran war: U.S. Defense Secretary says today, March 10, will be ‘most intense day of strikes’

Iran war: U.S. Defense Secretary says today, March 10, will be ‘most intense day of strikes’

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday, March 10 that American forces were preparing for what he described as the most aggressive wave of attacks so far in the ongoing war with Iran.

Speaking during a Pentagon press briefing alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, Hegseth said, “Today will be, yet again, our most intense day of strikes inside Iran.”
 

The comments come on the tenth day of the military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury, launched on February 28 by the United States and Israel. The operation has targeted Iranian military installations, weapons facilities and government infrastructure.
 

“Iran stands alone, and they are badly losing on Day 10 of Operation Epic Fury,” Hegseth said.
 

According to the defense secretary, U.S. forces plan to deploy increased airpower, including more fighter jets and bombers, as part of efforts to achieve key military objectives. Those goals include destroying Iran’s missile stockpiles and manufacturing capabilities, crippling its naval forces and preventing the country from obtaining nuclear weapons.
 

“We’re crushing the enemy in an overwhelming display of technical skill and military force,” Hegseth said. “We will not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated.”
 

Despite the escalation, Hegseth emphasized that the United States does not plan to become involved in long-term nation-building operations similar to those carried out during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
 

The defense secretary’s remarks echoed statements made earlier by President Donald Trump, who said the conflict may end sooner than expected due to the rapid destruction of Iranian military assets.
 

Trump also issued a strong warning to Iran regarding global oil supplies. In a post on Truth Social Monday night, he said the United States would respond forcefully if Iran attempts to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments.
 

“If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far,” Trump wrote.
 

Hegseth said the pace and direction of the war ultimately rest with the president.
 

“President Trump gets to control the throttle,” he told reporters. “He’s the one deciding when we’re achieving particular objectives.”
 

The conflict has already expanded beyond Iran’s borders. Authorities in Abu Dhabi confirmed Tuesday that an Iranian drone attack sparked a fire at the Ruwais Industrial Complex oil refinery, although no injuries were reported.
 

The war also entered a new political phase after Mojtaba Khamenei was named Iran’s new supreme leader following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during the opening wave of strikes.
 

Trump reacted to the appointment in a television interview, saying he does not believe the new Iranian leader will be able to maintain stability.
 

“I don’t believe he can live in peace,” Trump said.
 

However, the president suggested that diplomatic communication may still be possible, adding that he believes Iran’s leadership is seeking talks.
 

“I’m hearing they want to talk badly,” Trump said.
 

At the Pentagon briefing, Hegseth also addressed Iran’s new leadership, warning that Tehran should abandon any nuclear ambitions.
 

“He would be wise to heed our president and not pursue nuclear weapons,” Hegseth said.