IRIA News

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The United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has said that the U.S. military campaign against Iran will continue, with a warning that the coming days could be decisive in shaping the outcome of the conflict.

Speaking at the Pentagon on March 31, 2026, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said U.S. airstrikes would go on until Iran agrees to end its ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs. The remarks come as fighting between the United States, Israel, and Iran enters its fifth week.

Hegseth said the U.S. strategy is focused on forcing Iran to negotiate, combining military action with diplomatic efforts.

“We don’t want to have to do more militarily than we have to, but I didn’t mean it flippantly when I said in the meantime we’ll negotiate with bombs,” he said. “Our job is to ensure that we compel Iran to realize that this new regime, this regime in charge, is in a better place if they make a deal.”

He added that Iran’s military capabilities have been significantly weakened. According to Hegseth, Iran’s defense industrial base is “nearly completely destroyed,” and U.S. aircraft are operating freely over Iranian airspace, targeting mobile missile and drone launchers as they appear.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine said the scale of the operation has been extensive. Since the campaign began on February 28, the U.S. has struck around 11,000 targets inside Iran.

In recent days, U.S. warplanes have increased the pace of attacks, focusing on mobile launch systems that are harder to detect and destroy.

Troop Deployments Raise Pressure

The U.S. has also deployed thousands of additional troops to the region, including Marines and units from the 82nd Airborne Division.

Hegseth said the purpose of these deployments is partly to create uncertainty for Iran. “The point is to be unpredictable,” he said.

“Our adversary right now thinks there are 15 ways we can come at them with boots on the ground, and guess what, there are,” the U.S. Secretary of War Hegseth added.

He did not rule out the possibility of ground operations, but said such options may not be used if negotiations succeed. General Caine also emphasized that the presence of U.S. forces is intended to increase pressure on Iran’s leadership.

“The range of military options that those forces can offer is extensive,” he said, adding that Iran should take this into account at the diplomatic level.

Reports suggest the Pentagon is preparing contingency plans that could include limited ground operations, though officials have not confirmed whether such plans will be implemented.

Conflicting Signals on Negotiations

While U.S. officials insist that talks with Iran are ongoing, Tehran has denied that formal negotiations are taking place.

Hegseth said discussions are “very real” and “gaining strength,” and confirmed he recently met with a team tasked by President Donald Trump to engage with Iran. This group includes Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Jared Kushner.

However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said messages exchanged with the U.S. do not amount to negotiations.

The messages, he said, include threats and are being delivered indirectly through intermediaries. At the same time, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signaled some openness to ending the conflict.

“We possess the necessary will to end this conflict, provided that essential conditions are met — especially the guarantees required to prevent repetition of the aggression,” he said.

Iran has called for assurances that future attacks will not take place, along with other demands, including compensation for war damage and changes to the U.S. military presence in the region.

Strikes Expand Across Iran

On the ground, the conflict continues to intensify. Iranian media reported that U.S. and Israeli strikes on Tuesday hit multiple targets, including military sites in central Iran. Explosions were reported in the city of Isfahan, with large columns of smoke seen rising from affected areas.

Other reported targets include a pharmaceutical plant producing cancer drugs, a desalination facility on Qeshm Island, and a religious site in the northwest of the country.

Iranian officials said the desalination plant is now “completely out of service,” raising concerns about access to clean water in the area. The strikes have also caused damage to civilian infrastructure, though the full extent of casualties remains unclear.

Regional Tensions Continue to Rise

The conflict has spread beyond Iran, affecting countries across the Middle East. Iran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. positions in the region.

In Israel, emergency services reported that several people were injured by falling debris following missile interceptions.

Explosions have also been reported in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where drone interceptions caused injuries and property damage.

In Lebanon, Israeli strikes have continued, with officials warning that parts of southern Lebanon could remain under military control even after the war ends. The United Nations has raised concerns about the risk of further escalation, including the possibility of new areas becoming occupied territories.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions Impact Global Markets

The conflict has also disrupted global energy markets, particularly through tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for oil.

Iran has threatened shipping in the area and imposed restrictions on vessels linked to the United States and Israel. While some shipments have resumed after limited understandings, traffic remains significantly reduced. The situation has pushed up global oil prices and increased concerns about supply disruptions.

U.S. President Donald Trump said other countries should take more responsibility for protecting shipping routes. In a social media post, he warned that the United States may not continue to provide support to allies that do not contribute.

“You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself. The U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us,” he said.

Hegseth echoed the message, saying that a deal remains possible but depends on Iran’s decisions. “If Iran is wise, they will cut a deal,” he said. “President Trump will make a deal. He is willing.”

Despite signs of possible diplomatic movement, both sides continue to prepare for further escalation. Iran has warned it will respond forcefully to any ground invasion, with senior officials saying U.S. troops would face severe retaliation if deployed inside the country.

At the same time, the United States has continued to build up military assets in the region, including aircraft carriers, fighter jets, and missile defense systems.

With both military operations and diplomatic contacts ongoing, officials say the next few days could be critical. “The upcoming days will be decisive,” Hegseth said. “Iran knows that, and there’s almost nothing they can militarily do about it.”