Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued a chilling warning of the deadliest phase of U.S. strikes on Iran, accusing Tehran of a 47-year covert war against America through proxy attacks and direct threats. He promised an unrelenting campaign, noting that the last 24 hours saw the fewest Iranian missile launches, indicating successful degradation of their capabilities after hitting over 5,000 targets. The announcement highlights the human stakes, with Hegseth vowing to hunt down threats without hesitation.

Amid reports of Iranian naval losses and destroyed infrastructure, Hegseth’s remarks emphasize U.S. dominance and the need for total victory, rejecting any compromise. Concerns escalate over potential civilian impacts and environmental fallout from strikes on oil sites. Trump echoes the sentiment, suggesting the war is nearly complete but requiring more decisive actions.

The breaking developments raise alarms about further intensification, with analysts debating the risks of prolonged engagement and regional spillover.

Live updates capture the tension as both sides prepare for what could be pivotal strikes.