US Launches Most Intense Strikes of Iran War to 'Forever' Eliminate Nuclear Threat

The Pentagon launched its most intense strikes of the Iran war, targeting nuclear and military facilities. Defense Secretary said the U.S. aims to wipe out Iran's capacity to obtain nuclear weapons "forever."

The United States launched its most intense airstrikes of the war against Iran on March 10, pounding nuclear facilities, missile batteries, and command centers across the country in a sweeping offensive designed to permanently cripple Tehran's military capabilities. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the operation, stating the U.S. aims to wipe out Iran's capacity to obtain nuclear weapons "forever."

Iranians cowered under the barrage as waves of American aircraft and missiles struck targets in multiple provinces. The strikes focused on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan key sites in Iran's nuclear program as well as Revolutionary Guard facilities and air defense systems. Preliminary damage assessments indicate significant destruction, though Iranian state media downplayed the impact.

"This is not about regime change. This is about ensuring that the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism never possesses the most dangerous weapon on earth," Hegseth told reporters at the Pentagon. "We are hitting them harder than they have ever been hit, and we will continue until their nuclear ambitions are permanently extinguished."

The escalation follows weeks of conflict triggered by Iran's mining of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on shipping. Tuesday's strikes represent a qualitative shift, targeting the nuclear program directly rather than purely military assets. President Trump authorized the operation after intelligence indicated Iran was accelerating weapons-grade enrichment.

Iran's Supreme Leader issued a defiant statement vowing "crushing revenge," while the Foreign Ministry called for an emergency UN Security Council session. European allies expressed alarm, with France and Germany urging restraint. Russia and China condemned the strikes and announced they would veto any Security Council action against Iran.

The strikes drew immediate condemnation from humanitarian organizations concerned about civilian casualties. The International Committee of the Red Cross reported overwhelmed hospitals in affected areas.