The United States has signaled a major escalation in its military campaign against Iran, saying it plans to expand strikes deeper inside the country as the conflict spreads across the Middle East. Senior U.S. military officials said the intensified attacks aim to further degrade Iran’s military capabilities and reduce its ability to launch missiles and drones against American and allied targets.
The announcement comes as fighting between U.S., Israeli and Iranian forces enters another intense phase, with attacks reported across several countries in the region. Iran has carried out retaliatory missile and drone strikes targeting U.S. bases and allied sites across the Gulf, while Israeli forces have continued airstrikes on Iranian facilities in Tehran and other cities.
According to U.S. officials, Iranian missile activity has decreased compared with the early days of the conflict, but military leaders say operations will continue and could extend further into Iranian territory. The Pentagon has emphasized that the campaign will not slow down, with additional aircraft, naval assets and strike capabilities being deployed to the region.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States intends to continue its offensive until Iranian military threats are neutralized, warning that the conflict may last several weeks. The war has already triggered widespread instability, including attacks on Gulf countries, disruptions to global oil markets and airspace closures across parts of the Middle East.
Regional leaders and international organizations have urged restraint, warning that further escalation could spark a wider regional war involving multiple countries and armed groups.
