Defense Secretary Hegseth Vows U.S. Will Launch Most Intense Strikes Inside Iran Tuesday

At a Pentagon briefing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that Tuesday would be "our most intense day of strikes inside Iran."

“Trump made the remarks during a press briefing on Monday”

ABC7 New York

He said the operation would involve the most fighters, bombers and strikes yet as the campaign moved into its 11th day.

ABC7 New York

Military leaders reported a sharp drop in Iranian missile and one‑way drone attacks, figures Hegseth described as "strong evidence of degradation."

Officials and outlets reported that even as Iranian missile and drone launches fell sharply, Iran continued to strike regionally.

Iran launched drones toward Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

CBS News

Gulf states activated defenses.

Witnesses and officials reported new Israeli airstrikes on Tehran.

There were broader regional incidents, including an apparent attack on commercial shipping off Abu Dhabi.

U.S. political messaging appeared mixed.

“Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday during a news briefing that today will be the most intense day yet of U”

fox6now

President Trump gave contradictory signals — telling Republican lawmakers the war would likely be a "short excursion" while warning on social media the U.S. would hit Iran "TWENTY TIMES HARDER" (phrased as "20 times harder" in other accounts).

U.S. officials emphasized that political leadership, specifically President Trump, would shape the campaign’s ultimate objectives and end stage.

Reporting pointed to heavy human and environmental costs inside Iran and the wider region, though counts vary across outlets.

Iranian officials cited roughly 1,300 killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes.

KTVU FOX 2

Another report put combined deaths at "at least 1,230 in Iran".

The New York Times detailed strikes that produced heavy smoke and "black rain."

Newly released video suggests an American missile likely hit an elementary school, killing about 175 people, many children.

The New York Times recorded the torpedoing of the IRIS Dena with large casualties.

These figures collectively underscore significant civilian harm and displacement.

Markets reflected the uncertainty: oil prices spiked then eased as stocks swung.

“Hegseth says Tuesday will be the ‘most intense day of strikes’ inside Iran Mar 10, 2026, 5:52 AM (Photo: Alex Wong, Getty Images) Iran fired drones towards Saudi Arabia and Kuwait early Tuesday as U”

MyNorthwest

International partners debated naval escort options for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

MyNorthwest

World capitals signaled a range of reactions, from offers to mediate to heightened maritime security operations.