Pentagon Says Iran War Just Starting as Thousands of Targets Hit

The United States defense leadership says the military campaign against Iran is still in its early stages, warning that further escalation could occur as operations continue.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the conflict, launched jointly by the United States and Israel, has already involved large scale military activity across Iran. According to military officials, thousands of targets inside the country have been struck during the first phase of operations.

More than 50,000 American service members are currently involved in the broader campaign, which the Pentagon has named Operation Epic Fury.

Despite the large number of strikes already carried out, Hegseth indicated that the campaign has not yet reached its most intensive phase. He said the United States and Israel possess overwhelming military capabilities compared with Iran and suggested additional operations could expand in the coming stages.

Air power has played a central role in the initial wave of attacks. American and Israeli aircraft have conducted extensive missions targeting military installations, infrastructure linked to Iran’s armed forces, and weapons systems.

Officials say the combined air power of the United States and Israel has enabled continuous operations across Iranian territory while limiting Iran’s ability to respond effectively.

The war began after coordinated strikes targeted Iranian leadership and strategic military infrastructure. Since then, the conflict has expanded across the region, including missile and drone attacks involving multiple countries in the Middle East.

The United States government has demanded that Iran completely abandon its ability to threaten American and allied forces as part of any potential end to the conflict.

Hegseth said the United States intends to continue military pressure until Iran’s ability to fight is effectively eliminated. He said the campaign will continue until Iran no longer has the capacity to conduct military operations against the United States or its allies.

While officials have not detailed exactly how the conflict will end, they say the final outcome would involve Iran losing its ability to sustain military resistance.

The Pentagon has not ruled out additional options that could be used to achieve those objectives. However, officials declined to specify whether ground forces could eventually be deployed or whether the campaign will remain focused on air and naval power.

Military leaders say maintaining operational flexibility is critical during an active conflict and have avoided publicly outlining potential next steps.

The conflict has also expanded beyond Iran’s borders. Iranian missile and drone attacks have targeted several countries in the Middle East, including nations allied with the United States.

Regional air defence systems have intercepted many of those projectiles, but the attacks have raised concerns about the wider spread of the conflict.

The war has already resulted in casualties on multiple sides. Several American service members have been killed in recent attacks, including a drone strike targeting U.S. forces stationed in Kuwait.

US officials say casualties are an unavoidable reality of major military operations but maintain that the campaign will continue until its objectives are achieved.

Meanwhile, international observers estimate that more than 1,600 people have died inside Iran since the start of the conflict.

The Pentagon is also reviewing reports surrounding a deadly explosion at a school in southern Iran that killed dozens of students and staff. Officials say an investigation is ongoing to determine whether the incident was linked to military activity.

Energy markets have also been affected by the war. Oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have slowed significantly amid fears of attacks on commercial vessels.

The narrow waterway carries roughly one fifth of the world’s oil supply, making disruptions a major concern for global energy markets.

US officials say the weakening of Iran’s naval capabilities will eventually help restore security for shipping in the area.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the war’s duration, defense officials say the United States remains prepared to continue operations for as long as necessary.