Washington: The United States has warned of a major escalation in its military campaign against Iran, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stating that Tuesday could see the most intense American strikes since the conflict began.
Speaking at a briefing at the Pentagon, Hegseth said the United States would continue its operations until its objectives in the war are achieved. The ongoing campaign, launched on February 28 in coordination with Israel, has entered its 11th day.
“We will not stop until the enemy is totally defeated,” Hegseth said, adding that the latest round of strikes would mark the heaviest attacks carried out so far.
Military Operations Enter 11th Day
At the same briefing, Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that US forces were moving into the 11th day of operations against Iran.
Officials said Iran’s missile launches had decreased over the past 24 hours, though the situation remains volatile. The US military continues to conduct coordinated strikes targeting Iranian positions.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel’s military campaign was focused on weakening Iran’s leadership structure. He stated that the long-term goal was to create conditions that could lead to political change within Iran.
Mixed Signals From Washington
On Monday, US President Donald Trump sent mixed signals regarding the possible duration of the conflict. His remarks created uncertainty in global financial and energy markets, which have already been volatile since the start of the war.
Trump earlier warned that Iran would face retaliation “twenty times harder” if it attempted to block oil shipments through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route for global energy supplies.
Tensions Spread Across the Gulf
The conflict has also raised tensions across the Gulf region. Qatar said it intercepted a missile attack linked to Iran, while authorities warned residents to remain indoors amid security concerns.
Air defence systems were also activated in the United Arab Emirates to intercept incoming missiles, according to officials.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf rejected reports that Tehran had sought a ceasefire, signalling that the confrontation may continue in the coming days as hostilities escalate across the region.