Pentagon chief says U.S. intensifying strikes on Iran U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that military operations against Iran will reach a new level of intensity on March 10, 2026, as the conflict between the United States and Iran continues. Hegseth, speaking at a Pentagon press conference, emphasized that the war would persist as long as President Donald Trump deems necessary. “Today will be yet again our most intense day of strikes inside Iran,” he stated, highlighting the escalating military actions. The conflict, which has seen sustained attacks on Iran’s military infrastructure, aims to dismantle its naval capabilities, according to General Dan Caine, the top U.S. military officer. Caine noted that U.S. forces are targeting Iran’s mine-laying vessels and storage facilities, which could disrupt maritime traffic in the region. Hegseth added that Iran is attempting to hinder U.S. operations by relocating rocket launchers near civilian areas, including schools and hospitals. Iran has vowed to block all oil exports through the Gulf during the conflict, while Trump has warned of severe retaliation if Tehran interferes with crude exports. The U.S. military has accused Iran of using civilian areas as cover for its military operations, though it did not directly address a strike earlier in the conflict that reportedly killed over 150 people at an elementary school in Minab, southern Iran. Iran attributed the attack to U.S. forces, though Trump suggested the incident might have involved a Tomahawk missile, a weapon Iran does not possess. The war has intensified India’s strategic challenges, as Iran’s actions threaten global oil supplies and regional stability. Both sides continue to escalate their military posturing, with the U.S.#iran #donald_trump #pete_hegseth #pentagon_chief #general_dan_caine
