U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declared on Tuesday that the 11th day of the war between the U.S. and Iran would see the “most intense day of attacks yet” against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

He also asserted that the war would end “on a timeline of our choosing.”

Speaking at a press conference at the Pentagon, Hegseth said:

“We are winning with an overwhelming and relentless focus on our mission.”

He reiterated that the campaign's objectives include:

  • destroying Iran's missile stockpiles
  • destroying missile launchers
  • destroying missile production capabilities
  • destroying the Iranian navy
  • permanently preventing Iran from possessing nuclear weapons

Hegseth declared:

“Tuesday will once again be the day of highest attack intensity inside Iran.”

He said the U.S. would not stop until the enemy is completely and decisively defeated through a decisive and devastating campaign, but that this would occur at a time of America's choosing.

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Iran's Offensive Capabilities Diminish

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine stated that Iranian ballistic missile attacks on Middle Eastern countries have decreased by 90% since Operation Epic Fury began on February 28.

One-way drone attacks have also dropped by 83%.

Additionally, more than 50 Iranian warships have been sunk or damaged in recent engagements.

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U.S. Focuses on Destroying Iranian Military Capability

General Caine said the U.S. military is focusing its strikes on:

  • Iran's ballistic missile stockpiles
  • missile production facilities
  • drone manufacturing plants

Attacks on the Iranian navy are also aimed at protecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, where approximately 20% of the world's seaborne oil passes annually.

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Not a 2003 Iraq-Style War

Hegseth—an Iraq War veteran—said the current campaign is completely different from the 2003 Iraq War.

He said:

“This is not 2003. This is not the type of endless nation-building seen under Bush or Obama.”

He emphasized that the current generation of soldiers will not repeat multi-year military campaigns while the House of Representatives considers the presidential war powers regarding this operation.

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Warning to Iran's New Leader

Hegseth also sent a message to Mojtaba Khamenei, the recently succeeded Iran's Supreme Leader.

He said the leader should heed President Trump's warning and abandon the nuclear weapons program.

“He should state clearly that Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons.”

Previously, President Trump referred to Mojtaba Khamenei as a “weak figure” and deemed him an unacceptable choice to lead Iran.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump also said:

“I don’t believe he can live in peace.”

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