• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announces the most intense day of US strikes against Iran.
• President Trump controls the timeline of the war, suggesting it could end "very soon."
• Goals include destroying Iran's navy and neutralizing missile capabilities.
• Iran vows to retaliate and block oil exports through the Gulf.
• Civilian casualties from US strikes remain a contentious issue, with accusations against Iran regarding civilian areas.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that March 10 will mark the "most intense day of strikes" against Iran, featuring the most aircraft deployed thus far in the ongoing conflict. He emphasized that President Donald Trump will ultimately decide the war's pacing, articulated with, "He’s the one deciding," regarding the timeline of military engagement. Hegseth highlighted that Iran's navy is a primary target of the current offensive, which includes coordinated strikes utilizing "artillery, fighters, bombers, and sea-launched missiles," according to Le Monde, Al Jazeera, and South China Morning Post.

In an address to the media, Hegseth characterized the US military operations as a decisive victory, asserting, "We will not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated," while noting the objectives to "permanently deny Iran nuclear weapons forever." This clarity of purpose contrasts with President Trump's ambiguous comments about the war's potential duration, suggesting it could conclude "very soon," according to Le Monde and South China Morning Post.

Tehran has responded defiantly to the offensives, asserting its control over the timeline of the conflict, with Iranian Revolutionary Guards stating, "It is we who will determine the end of the war." Amid escalating tensions, Trump has threatened severe repercussions should Iran attempt to obstruct oil shipments through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, intensifying fears over the global oil market and trade routes. Hegseth stressed the importance of maintaining these shipping lanes while describing past incidents of Iranian aggression as a significant motivation for the US strikes, according to Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.

Hegseth also addressed the controversial issue of civilian casualties, emphasizing the US's commitment to avoiding civilian harm amidst accusations that Iran is using civilian sites to shield military assets. The Pentagon chief stated, "No nation takes more precautions to ensure there’s never targeting of civilians than the United States of America," while omitting details on a recent strike that hit a school in Iran, according to Le Monde, Al Jazeera, and South China Morning Post.