US Intensifies Strikes on Iran, Claims Major Military Gains as Conflict Escalates

Washington, March 2026 : The United States has significantly ramped up its military campaign against Iran, striking more than 7,000 targets across the country, as officials assert that Tehran’s military capabilities have been severely weakened. The escalation marks a more aggressive phase in the ongoing conflict, with no immediate timeline for de-escalation.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operations have delivered decisive results, pushing back against concerns that the conflict could turn into a prolonged war. Addressing reporters at the Pentagon, he emphasised that the campaign remains “focused, precise, and decisive,” aimed at dismantling Iran’s missile systems, defence infrastructure, and naval strength, while preventing the country from acquiring nuclear weapons capability.

“We’re winning decisively and on our terms,” Hegseth stated, underscoring confidence within the US administration regarding the progress of military operations.

According to the Pentagon, the intensity of strikes has led to a sharp decline in Iranian retaliatory capabilities. Hegseth noted that ballistic missile attacks on US forces have dropped by nearly 90 per cent since the conflict began. Drone attacks have also reduced significantly. “Iran may still attempt to strike, but their capacity has been greatly diminished,” he said.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, described the operation as “on plan” and steadily advancing. He highlighted that US forces are now targeting deeper and more fortified positions, including underground facilities. In a recent operation, American forces deployed 5,000-pound bunker-buster munitions against subterranean storage sites, indicating a shift toward more strategic, high-impact strikes.

The campaign has also heavily targeted Iran’s naval assets. Hegseth revealed that over 120 Iranian vessels have either been damaged or destroyed, effectively crippling the country’s maritime capabilities. He added that Iran’s submarine fleet has been neutralised, while its surface fleet is no longer considered operationally significant.

Military operations have expanded geographically as well, particularly in critical waterways like the Strait of Hormuz. US airpower is playing a central role, with A-10 aircraft and AH-64 Apache helicopters conducting strikes against fast attack boats and drone installations. Long-range bombers, including B-1, B-2, and B-52 aircraft, are also engaged in sustained missions, supported by extensive aerial refuelling operations.

Despite these gains, US officials have refrained from specifying when the campaign might conclude. Hegseth reiterated that the decision ultimately lies with Donald Trump, stating that operations will continue as planned until strategic objectives are fully achieved.

The Defence Secretary framed the conflict as part of a broader historical confrontation, arguing that Iran has effectively been in a state of hostility with the United States for decades. He cited attacks on American personnel and Iran’s support for militant groups across various regions as justification for the current military response.

However, officials acknowledged that Iran still retains some offensive capability. General Caine pointed out that Tehran entered the conflict with a substantial arsenal and continues to launch missiles, necessitating robust and layered defence systems for US forces and allies in the region.

Hegseth also highlighted the role of regional allies, noting strong cooperation from Gulf nations such as the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, alongside Israel. Their support has been crucial in sustaining operations and maintaining strategic pressure on Iran.

In addition to military efforts, the Pentagon is also countering information warfare. Hegseth accused the Iranian government of spreading misinformation, including AI-generated visuals, amid widespread internet restrictions within the country.

As the conflict deepens, the situation remains volatile, with global attention focused on whether the intensifying military campaign will achieve its objectives or further escalate tensions in the region.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)