Washington is projecting confidence in its Iran campaign, but fresh questions over civilian deaths, weapons costs, oil routes, and political divisions are now shaping the next phase.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday warned that today will be the day of “most intense” strikes on Iran even as President Donald Trump signalled that Washington believes the most dangerous phase of its military campaign against Tehran has already passed.
Smoke was seen over Tehran as IDF also said that it has launched a new wave of strikes on “Iranian regime” targets.
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Speaking at multiple events and in media interactions, Trump said the operation could end “very soon” but also suggested the US was ready to push harder if needed.
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The remarks came on a day that saw the conflict widen on several fronts in public messaging. US officials spoke about thousands of targets hit inside Iran, lawmakers in Washington clashed over the legality and cost of the war, and the administration sharpened its warnings over the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, questions also grew over civilian casualties and the financial burden of a prolonged campaign.
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