The conflict between the United States and Iran has entered a more aggressive phase, with U.S. defense officials warning that the coming hours could bring the most intense military operations since the campaign began. As airstrikes expand and tensions rise across the Middle East, global leaders are watching closely for signs that the conflict could either de-escalate or spread further across the region.

During a briefing at the Pentagon, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that Tuesday could mark the most significant day of strikes against Iranian targets since the beginning of the war on February 28. The statement comes as Washington continues its campaign aimed at weakening Iran’s military infrastructure and reducing its ability to launch missile attacks.

According to the Pentagon, the current military operation focuses on dismantling key elements of Iran’s strategic capabilities. Officials say the United States is targeting missile stockpiles, launch systems, and facilities linked to Iran’s defense industrial base.

Hegseth outlined several core objectives behind the operation, including the destruction of Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, disabling naval assets, and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons in the future. U.S. officials argue that these steps are necessary to reduce the threat posed by Tehran’s military technology and regional influence.

Despite the escalation in military action, the defense secretary insisted the operation is not intended to become another prolonged Middle East war. He emphasized that the campaign is designed to be focused and decisive, rather than repeating the long and complex conflicts that followed earlier U.S. interventions in the region.

Pentagon officials say that Iranian missile activity has declined significantly since the start of the operation. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that ballistic missile attacks launched by Iran have fallen sharply compared to the early days of the conflict.

According to U.S. military data, missile launches are now down by approximately 90 percent from initial levels. In addition, the use of one-way attack drones has decreased by more than 80 percent.

While these figures suggest that Iran’s offensive capacity may be weakening, analysts caution that the country could still possess additional missile reserves or alternative strategies for responding to U.S. attacks.

The Pentagon also confirmed that around 140 American service members have been wounded since the war began. Most injuries were described as minor, and more than one hundred troops have already returned to duty. However, seven U.S. service members have been killed and several others remain seriously injured.

Beyond the military confrontation, the conflict is also affecting global energy markets. Concerns about the safety of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have pushed oil prices higher in recent days.

The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman is one of the most important oil transit routes in the world, carrying a significant portion of global crude exports. Any disruption to tanker traffic through the strait could have serious consequences for international energy supplies.

In response to rising concerns, the International Energy Agency held another meeting with G7 nations to discuss possible measures to stabilize the global oil market. Among the options being considered is the release of millions of barrels of crude oil from strategic reserves if supply disruptions occur.

The White House also confirmed that U.S. military planners are working on contingency plans to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial shipping.

President Donald Trump warned that Iran would face severe consequences if it attempted to disrupt the waterway or interfere with oil shipments.

Iranian officials have responded defiantly to U.S. threats and military actions. Senior security official Ali Larijani dismissed the warnings from Washington and insisted that Iran would not be intimidated.

Larijani described President Trump’s threats as “worthless” and suggested that foreign powers have historically failed to break the resilience of the Iranian nation.

At the same time, intelligence reports cited by U.S. officials suggest Iran may be considering the deployment of naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Such a move could dramatically increase tensions in the Gulf and pose a direct threat to global shipping routes, although U.S. authorities say there is currently no confirmed evidence that mines have been placed.

As military operations intensify, civilians inside Iran continue to experience the human impact of the conflict. Residents in Tehran reported heavy strikes overnight that left parts of the city without electricity.

Several people described widespread darkness and the sound of explosions echoing across the capital. Some residents said nearby streets were struck during the attacks, leaving them anxious and unable to sleep.

Others have begun fleeing the country, with some crossing into neighboring Turkey as the bombardment continues.

Witnesses who escaped the region described powerful blasts shaking buildings and becoming more frequent as the conflict progresses. In the early days of the war, strikes were occasional, but many residents now say the attacks arrive in repeated waves.

Despite signs that Iran’s missile attacks are declining, the overall direction of the war remains uncertain. Military operations continue, global oil markets remain volatile, and political tensions between Washington and Tehran show little sign of easing.

The coming days could prove decisive in determining whether the conflict remains a limited military campaign or develops into a broader regional crisis affecting global trade, energy markets, and international security.

For now, governments and analysts around the world are closely monitoring developments as the United States prepares for what could be the most intense stage yet in the ongoing war with Iran.