The US Air Force will carry out the most intense strikes in the war against Iran on Tuesday, said Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth at a press briefing in Washington.
"We are crushing the enemy" in an unrelenting way, Hegseth said, adding "We do so on our timeline, and at our choosing".
It was not immediately clear whether the strikes would mark a renewed stage in the war, or would be part of the final bout of attacks after US President Donald Trump said the war “would end soon,” sending markets euphoric.
However, US’ war statements have repeatedly been contradictory and confusing.
Tuesday's planned US airstrikes would follow the most intense night of Israeli bombardment in Tehran the previous night.
Apocalyptic scenes have emerged from Iran of mass graves, ash-covered apartment blocks, and rescuers delicately pulling infants from under the rubble of razed buildings.
Despite the crisis, Iran’s hardline leadership has pledged to continue and prolong the war, apparently betting on its endurance and energy market turmoil to outlast the attacks.
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