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3. U.S. Claims Air and Maritime Dominance Over Iran as War Intensifies

The United States said it has established full control of Iranian airspace and key maritime corridors, as Washington signals a major expansion of its military campaign against Iran. Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, the U.S. Secretary of Defense said American forces now have “complete control over Iranian airspace” and are dominating both air and naval operational routes.

The Pentagon also stated that Iran’s navy and air force are no longer operational forces capable of influencing the battlefield, describing the development as a turning point in the rapidly escalating conflict.

“We Are Only at the Beginning"

Despite the significant military advances, U.S. officials warned that the campaign is far from over.

“We are only at the beginning of this war,” the defense chief said, adding that the conflict is expected to involve “more battles and additional forces” in the coming phase.

He also stressed that the duration of the war will ultimately be determined by President Donald Trump, who has directed the current military campaign.

Officials further indicated that the operation could become far more extensive than previous U.S. military engagements in the region, describing the conflict as potentially “seven times more powerful than earlier wars.”

Command Structure Disrupted

According to the Pentagon briefing, Iranian military leadership has suffered major disruptions during the ongoing campaign.

U.S. officials said Iranian military commanders are no longer able to communicate effectively with one another, suggesting that key command-and-control systems have been degraded by the strikes.

The Pentagon also announced that a commander of the unit allegedly involved in an attempted assassination plot against President Trump was killed, though no further details were immediately provided.

Precision Weapons and Expanding Arsenal

U.S. officials confirmed that Washington will deploy large quantities of precision-guided munitions during the campaign.

“We have an unlimited stockpile of precision bombs,” the defense chief said, emphasizing that American forces will continue targeting Iranian military infrastructure.

The Pentagon also highlighted the extensive U.S. missile defense capabilities, noting that Washington maintains significant reserves of ground-based defense systems.

Hegseth added, "An American submarine sunk an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters. Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo.” He called the attack a "quiet death" and the first U.S. sinking of an enemy ship by torpedo since World War II.

Sri Lanka recovered 87 bodies of Iranian sailors. 

Washington Signals Determination to Continue Campaign

U.S. officials rejected the idea of slowing operations, accusing Tehran of attempting to stall diplomatically.

“There is no room for delay because Iran is stalling and trying to buy time,” the defense chief said.

He added that Washington intends to set the conditions for each phase of the conflict, signaling that the next stage of the campaign could involve further escalation.

With AFP