United States (US) Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced that the US is set to carry out its largest airstrike so far in the ongoing US-Israeli campaign targeting Iran.
Speaking during a media briefing on March 19, Hegseth said that the US had already hit over 7,000 targets across Iran’s military infrastructure.
“To date, we’ve struck over 7,000 targets across Iran and its military infrastructure. That is not incremental. That is an overwhelming force applied with precision. And again, today will be the largest strike package yet, just like yesterday was,” Hesgeth said.
He affirmed that the United States’ military objectives remain on course and are proceeding as planned.
The Defence Secretary added that the strike package will surpass previous operations in scale and intensity.
Hegseth Says Iran’s Missile Production Severely Damaged
Hegseth stated that Iran’s capacity to produce new ballistic missiles has suffered its heaviest losses, reportedly down by around 90 percent since the conflict began.
When asked about a potential timeline for ending the war, Hegseth declined to provide specific dates.
Hegseth noted that the war’s conclusion will ultimately be decided by the President Donald Trump once the US objectives to protect national security are achieved.
He reassured that the military campaign is progressing according to plan and remains on track.
During the briefing, he reiterated that the US was not aware in advance of Israel’s recent strike on Iran’s South Pars gasfield.
He clarified that the US mission focuses on neutralizing Iran’s missile capabilities, defense infrastructure, and naval assets and preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Pete added that Iran’s “reckless attempt to strike civilian infrastructure” has prompted nations that might not have fully committed previously to align closely with the US.
He cited the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf states as actively cooperating with the US, describing their involvement as a source of pride and gratitude.
Iran Still Capable of Targeting US Assets
Speaking alongside Hegseth, General Dan Caine acknowledged that Iran retains a limited ability to strike American assets, despite sustained military pressure.
Responding to questions on Tehran’s missile capabilities, Caine noted that Iran entered the conflict with a significant weapons stockpile, which has enabled it to carry out strikes across several Gulf states.
He said that US forces continue to intensify operations, maintaining an aggressive and assertive posture aimed at degrading Iran’s remaining military capacity.
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