US Escalates Strikes Against Iran as War Enters Third Week
The United States is intensifying its military operations against Iran, with a modern wave of large-scale strikes expected today, according to US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. The announcement comes as the conflict between the US and Iran enters its third week, marked by escalating tensions and regional instability.
Escalation of US Military Action
Speaking at a Pentagon briefing broadcast live by Fox News, Hegseth stated, “And today, as well as yesterday, we will witness the most large-scale series of strikes so far.” He claimed that US military objectives have been achieved, asserting that Iran’s air defenses have been “destroyed” and its defense industrial base “almost completely destroyed.”
Naval Losses and Human Cost
Hegseth further stated that the US has sunk over 120 ships of the Iranian navy and destroyed 11 submarines. The briefing included a personal reflection from Hegseth, who shared that his 13-year-old son had inquired about American soldiers killed in Iran. Hegseth responded, “They died for you!” and declared, “American soldiers are fighting for the free world.”
Regional Impact and Oil Prices
The conflict has already resulted in significant casualties, with more than 3,000 people killed in Iran, 900 in Lebanon, and dozens elsewhere in the region, including 13 US troops. The attacks on energy facilities in the Gulf region have caused oil prices to surge, reaching $114 a barrel on Thursday, March 19, 2026, and Brent Crude Oil prices have increased by over 13 percent in a week .
International Response and Strait of Hormuz
President Trump has criticized NATO allies for not supporting the US-Israeli war on Iran, claiming they had “abandoned the US in our time of demand.” He suggested he might declare victory and allow Europe to take responsibility for the Strait of Hormuz, stating, “That would receive some of our non-responsive ‘Allies’ in gear, and fast!!!” While, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that Germany will not participate, declaring, “This is not our war. We will not do it.”
Conflicting Signals and Funding
There are conflicting signals regarding the duration of the war, with President Trump and the Pentagon offering differing perspectives . The US Defense Department is seeking more than $200 billion from Congress to continue funding the war .
US Position on Pars Attack
Following an attack on Iran’s massive Pars natural gas field, a White House official stated that the United States was not involved. A Pentagon spokesman referred questions regarding the attack to the Israeli Defense Forces .
Intelligence Assessment
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told the Senate Intelligence Committee that the Iranian regime “appears to be intact but largely degraded.”