U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared during a Pentagon briefing on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, that the United States will not relent in its military campaign against Iran until the country is “fully and decisively defeated.” Speaking alongside Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine, Hegseth outlined the current status of U.S. operations in Iran and across the Middle East.
‘Today Will Be Our Most Intense Day of Strikes Inside Iran’
Hegseth described the day as “once again our most intense day of strikes inside Iran,” underscoring the scale and pace of ongoing operations. He warned that Iran is rapidly advancing toward nuclear weapons — saying Tehran is “running toward a nuclear bomb” — and affirmed that former President Donald Trump “will never allow it.”
Core Military Objectives Remain Unchanged
The secretary reaffirmed the operation’s central goals: destroying Iran’s missile stockpiles and launchers; dismantling its defense industrial base; crippling its navy; and permanently denying Iran nuclear weapons capability. “We will not back down until the enemy is completely and fully defeated,” he stated.
America Is ‘Winning,’ Hegseth Claims
Hegseth asserted that the U.S. is achieving its objectives — degrading Iranian missile capabilities and naval assets — and moving closer to ensuring Iran can never acquire nuclear arms. He characterized Iran as isolated and losing “state by state,” and described its leadership as “desperate and panicked” as the conflict enters its second week.
No Comment on Reports of Supreme Leader Injury
When asked about unconfirmed reports that Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, had been injured, Hegseth declined to verify the claim. Instead, he urged Khamenei to “be wise” and heed Trump’s warning against pursuing nuclear weapons.
Warning to Russia
Hegseth also issued a direct warning to Russia, urging it not to become involved in the conflict with Iran. The remark followed reports of a recent phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump Leaves Door Open for Talks — With Conditions
In a separate Fox News interview, Trump said he is open to speaking with Iran, but stressed that any dialogue “depends on the terms.” He noted hearing reports that “Tehran very much wants to talk,” while reiterating his strong opposition to Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment as Iran’s new Supreme Leader.