US Claims Total Air Dominance Over Iran in Days, Vows Nuclear Blockade

Hegseth said that Iran cannot outlast them.

"Starting last night, and to be completed in a few days... the two most powerful air forces in the world will have complete control of Iranian skies," he said.

"Iran cannot outlast us. We're going to ensure that we set the tone and tempo of this fight. That's why stories that try to make it look like we're limited--the only limits we have in this is US President Donald Trump's desire to achieve specific effects on behalf of American people. We've known for a long time that Iran had intentions on trying to kill President Trump...while that was not the focus of the effort by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, never raised by the President...I ensured that those who were responsible for that were eventually part of the target list," he added.

Hegseth, while talking about Operation Epic Fury, called it a laser-focused one.

He said, "The mission is laser-focused: obliterate Iran's missiles and drones and facilities that produce them, annihilate its navy and critical security infrastructure, and sever their pathway to nuclear weapons. Iran will never possess a nuclear bomb."

"Operation Epic Fury has delivered twice the airpower of Shock and Awe of Iraq in 2003 -- minus Paul Bremer and the nation-building... We are just getting started," he added.

General Dan Caine, who also accompanied Hegseth, said that Iran's theater ballistic missile shots have reduced 86% from day one of the strikes.

"As of this morning, the US Central Command is making steady progress. Iran's theater ballistic missile shots fired are down 86% from the first day of fighting, with a 23% decrease just in the last 24 hours. Their one-way attack drone shots are down 73% from the opening days," he said.

Meanwhile, Tehran has been hit very hard by the bombardment. Karaj, to the west of Tehran, and the city of Isfahan have also been hit over the past few hours. There is talk of casualties across the board in many of those areas, including civilians. Twenty schools so far have been hit, as per Al Jazeera.

- ANI