The escalating conflict involving United States, Israel, and Iran may intensify further in the coming weeks, according to comments from Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of Defense. Speaking to reporters, Hegseth warned that the ongoing military campaign is “only just beginning,” signaling that the confrontation could expand as operations continue.

Thousands of Targets Already Hit

U.S. officials say that since the beginning of the campaign, American and Israeli forces have carried out large-scale coordinated strikes against thousands of Iranian military targets. The attacks have focused primarily on infrastructure considered critical to Iran’s military capabilities, including:

• Ballistic missile systems

• Air defense networks

• Command and control centers

• Strategic military bases and logistics facilities

Military planners say the goal of these operations is to significantly weaken Iran’s ability to launch missile and drone attacks across the region and to disrupt the command structures that coordinate those operations.

Warning of More Casualties

Hegseth cautioned that the ongoing conflict could lead to additional casualties and destruction as military operations continue. Defense officials acknowledge that the situation remains highly volatile, with both sides carrying out strikes and retaliatory attacks across multiple fronts.

Analysts say that as the conflict expands, the risks to civilians, regional infrastructure, and global energy supplies could increase, particularly if fighting spreads further across the Middle East.

All Military Options Remain Open

According to U.S. officials, Washington is keeping all options on the table, including the possibility of deploying ground forces if the situation escalates further or if strategic objectives require direct control of key locations.

While no decision has been announced regarding troop deployments, the statement signals that the United States is prepared for a potentially prolonged military campaign if diplomatic solutions fail to emerge.

Rising Fears of a Wider War

The comments come amid mounting international concern that the confrontation could grow into a broader regional conflict involving additional Middle Eastern countries. Missile and drone attacks have already been reported across several Gulf nations hosting U.S. military bases, while fighting has also intensified in areas linked to Iranian allies.

Diplomatic observers warn that without urgent de-escalation efforts, the conflict could destabilize the region and disrupt global markets, particularly energy supplies that pass through critical shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Hegseth’s remarks underscore the seriousness of the current crisis and highlight the possibility that the war could enter a new and more intense phase in the weeks ahead.