U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared on Tuesday that the coming days will prove "decisive" in the ongoing military confrontation between U.S.-Israeli forces and Iran, while acknowledging Tehran retains retaliatory capabilities despite sustained aerial bombardments. The remarks came during the Pentagon's first press briefing on the conflict in nearly two weeks.
"Iran knows there's almost nothing they can militarily do about it," Hegseth stated, asserting that repeated strikes have degraded Iranian defenses. He confirmed U.S. forces intercepted recent missile launches and hinted at potential ground operations, refusing to rule out troop deployments when pressed about President Donald Trump's plans.
Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine revealed intensified targeting of Iranian supply chains supporting missile and drone production. In a strategic escalation, B-52 bombers have reportedly conducted missions over Iranian territory for the first time, signaling confidence in neutralizing air defenses.
The developments follow Hegseth's unannounced weekend visit to Middle Eastern bases, underscoring Washington's focus on regional military readiness as global markets monitor energy security risks.
