U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced at a Pentagon briefing Tuesday that March 10, 2026 will mark "the most intense day of strikes against Iran" since Operation Epic Fury began on February 28. The announcement signals a significant escalation in the U.S.-Israeli air campaign, with Hegseth confirming deployment of increased fighter jets and bombers to execute the expanded operations.
The escalation comes after U.S. forces struck over 3,000 targets in the first week of Operation Epic Fury, including Iranian missile infrastructure, air defenses, and command and control centers. President Trump declared the Iranian military "utterly demolished" on March 9, claiming 46-51 ships sunk, 90% of missile launchers destroyed, and 83% of drones eliminated, stating operations are "ahead of schedule."
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The announced intensification follows a pattern of expanding target sets throughout the 11-day campaign. On March 9, over 80 Israeli Air Force jets targeted IRGC facilities and ballistic missile storage in Tehran and central Iran. U.S. officials claim air dominance over Iran has enabled deep strikes, including attacks on Shiraz air defenses on March 6, though nuclear sites remain off the target list according to Pentagon statements.
Iranian retaliatory capacity has significantly degraded, according to U.S. military assessments. Iranian missile and drone launches declined from over 2,000 in late February to an estimated 100-200 remaining operational units, due to strikes on launchers and production facilities. Current Iranian attacks primarily target Gulf states hosting U.S. military infrastructure, with most projectiles being intercepted by coalition air defenses.
Members are reading: Why intensifying strikes against a reportedly demolished military suggests shifting campaign objectives beyond initial goals
Immediate implications
The announced escalation occurs amid ongoing U.S.-Israeli military operations that have evolved from initially planned sustained campaigns following the collapse of diplomatic negotiations. Iran's leadership transition, with Mojtaba Khamenei assuming power after his father's death in the initial strikes, further complicates any potential diplomatic resolution. The coming 24-48 hours will determine whether Tuesday's intensified operations represent a final degradation effort or the beginning of an extended phase targeting Iran's internal security apparatus.
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