The United States and Israel expect to gain full control of Iranian airspace within less than a week, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday, as Washington moves to expand its military campaign against Iran.
Speaking during a press conference on the ongoing operations in the Middle East, Hegseth announced that additional US forces are being deployed to the region, stressing that the United States will take “as much time as necessary” to secure victory.
Historic first days of operations
Hegseth described the first four days of military operations as “incredible” and “historic,” arguing that the Iranian government is already in a weakened position.
According to the US defense chief, American forces have begun systematically targeting the military capabilities of the Iranian regime.
“We are hunting, dismantling, destroying and defeating the regime’s capabilities,” he said, adding that Iranian leaders will increasingly face the air power of the United States and Israel until the two countries decide the war has ended.
Claims of heavy Iranian military losses
Hegseth also claimed that Iran’s military has suffered major setbacks, saying the country’s air force no longer poses a meaningful threat and that its naval forces have been severely damaged.
He said US submarines sank an Iranian frigate in the Indian Ocean overnight, while Iran’s naval flagship had also been destroyed.
Despite the losses, he acknowledged that Iran may continue launching missiles and drones, noting that Iranian forces are relying on such tactics rather than direct confrontation.
“The United States is winning the war against Iran and the American military can fight for as long as necessary,” Hegseth said, adding that the US will continue to deploy large numbers of precision-guided bombs as the campaign progresses.