The United States has signalled a critical phase in the ongoing Middle East conflict, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warning that the upcoming days will be decisive as military operations against Iran intensify.
Addressing a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth said US forces carried out over 200 dynamic strikes in the last 24 hours alone, adding that sustained attacks have significantly degraded Iran's military capabilities and morale.
“We have more and more options, and they have less… in only one month we set the terms. The upcoming days will be decisive, Iran knows that,” Hegseth said.
He further claimed that Iranian forces are facing internal strain.
“These strikes are triggering widespread desertions, key personnel shortages and frustration among senior leadership,” he added, citing intelligence inputs.
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Reuters reported that Hegseth also confirmed that the US is monitoring alleged support from Russia and China to Iran.
“We know exactly what they're doing… where necessary, we're addressing it, mitigating it or confronting it head on,” he said, without elaborating.
Pentagon Details Large Scale Operations
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Dan Caine, outlined the scale of the campaign, stating that US forces have struck more than 11,000 targets over the past 30 days.
“We're focused on destroying Iran's missile capabilities, hitting manufacturing nodes, storage facilities and research sites,” Caine said.
‘Negotiate with Bombs' Approach
Hegseth indicated that diplomatic channels remain active but are being pursued alongside military pressure.
“Negotiations are real, ongoing and gaining strength… we don't want to do more militarily than necessary, but we will negotiate with bombs to compel Iran to make a deal,” he said.
He also noted improved shipping movement through the Strait of Hormuz, calling for greater international participation in securing the critical waterway.
Ground-Level Assessment
The US defense chief said he recently visited troops involved in what he described as “Operation Epic Fury,” observing a strong sense of urgency among personnel.
“I witnessed urgency to finish the job, urgency to achieve mission success,” he said, contrasting it with prolonged deployments seen in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Strategic Outlook
Reiterating Washington's stance, Hegseth said the US would not limit its military options publicly.
“You can't win a war if you tell your adversary what you are willing or not willing to do,” he said.
The latest escalation underscores a widening conflict dynamic, with Washington increasing pressure on Tehran while signalling readiness for both intensified military action and conditional negotiations.
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