Hegseth: US-Israeli Strikes on Iran Increasing as Hormuz Deadline Approaches

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly confirmed that US-Israeli strikes against Iran are intensifying as the Strait of Hormuz deadline closes in, signaling a deliberate escalation of the air campaign ahead of the ultimatum cutoff. Hegseth's statement is the most direct public acknowledgment by a senior US official that the pace and scale of the offensive is being deliberately accelerated — a posture designed to maximize pressure on Tehran ahead of the deadline. The announcement amplifies fears of an imminent major escalation if Iran fails to comply with US demands regarding the strait. Strikes on residential areas and civilian infrastructure, confirmed in Al Jazeera video footage the same day, underscore the broadening target set as the campaign intensifies.