The U.S. Military is intensifying its campaign against Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities as part of Operation Epic Fury, with officials indicating a significant escalation is on the horizon. The developments come amid heightened regional tensions and growing concerns over Iran’s military advancements.
Speaking at U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) headquarters in Tampa, Florida, on March 6, 2026, U.S. Secretary Hegseth stated that Iran miscalculated its ability to withstand continued U.S. Attacks. “This is a really disappointing calculation for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,” Hegseth said. “As you can see, there is no shortage of American will.”
Hegseth asserted that the U.S. Military has sufficient ammunition to sustain the operation for as long as necessary, allowing for continued offensive and defensive strikes. He warned that the force projected onto Iran in the coming days, combined with Israeli capabilities, will be far greater than what has been demonstrated thus far. “If you reckon you’ve seen something so far, just wait,” Hegseth stated.
He emphasized a shift in U.S. Military strategy, noting that past conflicts were hampered by “stupid, politically correct” rules of engagement. According to Hegseth, the military now operates with maximum authority and clear objectives in the field.
Responding to reports of Iran downing a U.S. F-15 aircraft, Hegseth dismissed the claim as propaganda aimed at bolstering domestic support. “Iran is doing everything it can to lie, deceive, and inflate numbers, mostly to propagandize its own people,” he said. “They are hoping they can convince their own population that they are succeeding.”
“OUR AIR SUPERIORITY ALLOWS US TO STRIKE IRAN WITH OVERWHELMING FORCE”
CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper echoed Hegseth’s assessment, stating that Iran’s military power is diminishing while the U.S.’s is increasing. “Our air superiority allows us to strike at the heart of Iran with overwhelming force and reach,” Cooper said.
According to Cooper, U.S. Bombers have struck approximately 200 targets within Iran over the past 72 hours. In the last hour alone, two U.S. Bombers dropped dozens of one-ton penetrator bombs on deeply buried ballistic missile launch ramps. The development underscores growing regional tensions and the potential for further escalation.
Cooper indicated that the next phase of military operations will focus on systematically dismantling Iran’s future missile production capacity. “It will take some time, but our forces are well-supplied,” he added.
REVOLUTIONARY GUARD: READY FOR A PROLONGED WAR
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared its readiness for a prolonged conflict, with a spokesperson stating that new weapons are on the way. According to reports, IRGC spokesperson Ali Muhammed Naini said that Iran is prepared for a “long-term war.”
Naini stated, according to state television, that the enemy should expect “painful blows” with each wave of attacks. He added that they are “ready for a long-term war until the aggressors are punished.”
Naini also noted that “Iran’s new initiatives and weapons are on the way and have not yet been widely used.” The announcement could influence future diplomatic talks and further complicate efforts to de-escalate the situation.
*The photo accompanying this story was provided by AP.
