The U.S. Defense Secretary revealed he secretly visited the Middle East over the weekend, stating that the coming days will be "decisive" for any potential military action against Iran

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday, March 31, that the daily number of attacks launched by the Iranian regime in the region since it initiated missile and drone strikes a month ago has now dropped to its lowest level. He emphasized that the days ahead will be "decisive." Earlier in the weekend, he traveled to the Middle East to inspect troops firsthand and observe Operation Epic Fury.

In a press briefing at the Pentagon on Tuesday, Hegseth said that due to "operational security," he would not disclose the specific locations visited during his weekend trip; however, he stated that he personally witnessed U.S. forces engaging what he described as a "tenacious enemy" and executing the mission's core objectives, including dismantling Iran’s terrorist regime’s missile program, defense industrial base, and naval capabilities.

Regarding the progress made by the United States in weakening Iran’s capabilities, Hegseth said the U.S. is “closer to victory than ever before.” He pointed out that thanks to President Donald Trump granting U.S. forces “full operational freedom,” American firepower is increasing while Iran’s is diminishing.

"The coming days will be decisive. Iran knows this, and they are nearly powerless militarily," Hegseth said. "Yes, they will still launch some missiles, but we will intercept them. Notably, in the past 24 hours, the number of hostile missiles and drones launched by Iran has reached its lowest level."

He noted that U.S. strike operations are undermining the morale of Iran’s military, leading to "widespread desertions, critical personnel shortages, and growing frustration among senior leadership."

"We recently destroyed another of their command bunkers. Their leaders were forced to flee in panic. No water, no electricity, no oxygen, no command and control. Their confidence in hiding in caves is fading," he said.

"Last night alone, our dynamic strikes totaled as many as 200. A dynamic strike refers to missions where pilots receive new target directives mid-flight based on real-time intelligence—such as new launch sites, updated positions, or newly identified unit formations—and then carry out precision strikes accordingly," Hegseth explained.

Hegseth confirmed that U.S. bombers attacked a munitions depot in the Iranian city of Isfahan overnight.

Speaking about ongoing indirect negotiations with Iran, Hegseth reiterated President Trump’s statement earlier this week—that "regime change has already occurred." He urged Iran to reach an agreement, stating that the new regime "should be wiser than the previous one."

He warned that if Iran refuses to agree, U.S. military operations will continue—and intensify.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine said in the briefing that U.S. forces are “systematically and continuously degrading and destroying Iran’s ability to project military power beyond its borders and threaten regional stability."

He noted that since the operation began on February 28, U.S. forces have struck over 11,000 targets.

Caine also stated that U.S. forces continue to maintain absolute superiority over Iran’s navy and have “destroyed” more than 150 vessels, including all of Iran’s active mine-laying ships and frigates.

He added that the U.S. remains focused on targeting Iran’s naval mine-laying capabilities and other maritime assets.

Caine said U.S. forces have begun deploying armed helicopters to support maritime operations and launching “massive” strikes against Iran’s defense industrial base.

"This includes factories, warehouses, nuclear weapons research laboratories, and all supporting infrastructure required for Iran to rebuild its combat capabilities," Caine said.

Source: vov

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861257149166601/

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