US intensifies strikes on Iran with no timeline for war end

Thursday 19 March 2026 - 15:50

By: Dakir Madiha

US intensifies strikes on Iran with no timeline for war end

The United States signaled a prolonged military campaign against Iran as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said no timeline has been set for ending the conflict, even as Washington prepares its largest wave of strikes since operations began.

Speaking at the Pentagon, Hegseth stated that the duration of the war, now in its third week, will ultimately depend on the president. He emphasized that the US is following its operational plan without committing to a fixed end date.

Rather than scaling back, US forces are expanding their offensive. Hegseth announced a new round of strikes described as the most extensive so far, continuing a strategy of sustained escalation. Since the joint US-Israeli campaign began on February 28, more than 7,000 targets across Iran have been hit, including military infrastructure. He described the approach as precise but overwhelming, rejecting the idea of gradual escalation.

US officials say the core objectives remain unchanged: degrading Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, dismantling its defense industry and naval assets, and preventing it from acquiring nuclear weapons. According to Hegseth, Iran’s ability to launch ballistic missile attacks has declined sharply, with reported reductions of about 90 percent. Drone operations have also decreased, and more than 120 Iranian vessels have been damaged or destroyed, significantly weakening its naval presence.

General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said US operations are now targeting deeper locations inside Iran, including underground facilities and weapons production sites. Faster targeting cycles are enabling broader strikes beyond initial missile and air defense systems.

The absence of a clear timeline has sparked political debate in Washington. Earlier statements from US officials suggested a shorter campaign, with President Donald Trump indicating the conflict could end within weeks. House Speaker Mike Johnson recently said the mission was close to completion. Hegseth’s comments contrast with those expectations, pointing instead to an open-ended strategy.

Tensions have intensified following an Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field, which triggered a surge in global energy prices. Iran responded by targeting energy infrastructure in Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, including facilities linked to Saudi Aramco and ExxonMobil. Trump warned that further Iranian attacks on Qatar could lead to a large-scale US response against Iranian energy assets.

The expanding conflict is raising concerns about broader economic and security consequences. The Strait of Hormuz remains largely disrupted, affecting a critical route for global oil supply. US intelligence officials say that while Iran’s military capabilities have been significantly weakened, the government retains the capacity to launch further attacks.

With rising casualties and increasing pressure on energy markets, the open-ended nature of the campaign is drawing scrutiny. Hegseth defended the strategy, stating that US forces will continue operations until their objectives are achieved.