U.S. Secretary of Defense: The attack on Iran has entered its most intense phase, with increased airstrikes on the 10th day of operations

U.S. military actions against Iran continue to escalate. On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated at the Pentagon that the day would become “one of the most intense days of strikes against Iran,” indicating that Washington is further increasing military pressure.

As “Operation Epic Fury” enters its 10th day, the U.S. military claims Iran’s retaliatory capabilities are weakening, while reaffirming its three core military objectives: destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, weaken its navy, and permanently prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Pentagon: Airstrikes on Iran to Reach New High Intensity

During a press conference at the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine explained the situation. Hegseth emphasized that U.S. forces will deploy “the most fighters, the most bombers, and the most strike operations” today, further expanding attacks on targets inside Iran.

He stated, “Today will again be the most intense day of our strikes inside Iran.”

Hegseth pointed out that “Operation Epic Fury” has entered its 10th day, and Iran is currently “isolated on the battlefield,” with the situation turning unfavorable for Iran. He said the U.S. is weakening Iran’s military capabilities through high-intensity precision strikes.

Iran Missile Launches Decline

According to Pentagon assessments, the number of missiles launched by Iran has significantly decreased over the past 24 hours. Hegseth noted that this is the “lowest missile launch count from Iran so far,” suggesting that U.S. strikes may be undermining Iran’s operational capacity.

At the same time, he criticized Iran’s recent attacks on neighboring Gulf countries. Hegseth said some of the attacked nations had previously maintained some level of cooperation with Iran, and these attacks “were unprovoked.” He described Iran’s actions as irresponsible military escalation and accused Iran of destabilizing the region.

U.S. Military’s Three Main Objectives Revealed

During the press conference, Hegseth clearly outlined the three primary goals of the U.S. military operation.

First, to destroy Iran’s missile stockpiles and manufacturing capabilities to weaken its long-range strike ability. Second, to “destroy Iran’s navy,” reducing its military presence in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters.

The most important goal is to “permanently prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.”

Hegseth emphasized that the U.S. military is currently using highly technological and overwhelming force to suppress Iran’s military. He stated, “We are destroying the enemy with overwhelming technological and military power.”

He added that the U.S. will not cease military actions until the enemy is “completely and decisively defeated.”

Trump Administration Emphasizes No “Nation Building”

Despite the increasing intensity of military operations, Hegseth also highlighted that the Trump administration does not intend to repeat past U.S. mistakes in Middle Eastern wars.

He pointed out that the U.S. will not engage in so-called “nation-building” efforts, such as the large-scale reconstruction projects carried out during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars under the Bush and Obama administrations. This means the current military actions will focus on strikes rather than long-term political or nation-building interventions.

Trump Sent Strong Signals the Day Before

Hegseth’s tough stance echoes remarks made by President Trump the previous day.

When asked by the media at a golf club near Miami, Florida, Trump also issued strong signals toward Iran, hinting that the U.S. will continue to expand military pressure.

As “Operation Epic Fury” enters its 10th day, U.S. military strikes against Iran are evidently still escalating. Markets and the international community are closely watching whether this conflict will further expand, potentially affecting overall regional security and global energy markets.

This article, “U.S. Secretary of Defense: Strikes on Iran Enter Most Intense Phase, Day 10 of Action with Increased Airstrikes,” was first published by Lian News ABMedia.