‘He would be wise’: Hegseth tells Mojtaba Khamenei to heed Trump's warning not to pursue nukes

WASHINGTON, DC: War Secretary Pete Hegseth declined to confirm reports that Iran’s new leader had been wounded while warning Tehran against pursuing nuclear weapons during a Pentagon briefing on Tuesday, March 10.

Hegseth also highlighted the intensifying pace of US strikes as part of the joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. The defense chief said the operation had entered its most aggressive phase, with expanded air operations and intelligence-led targeting.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth speaks as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine listens during a news conference at the Pentagon on March 2, 2026 in Arlington, Virginia (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Pete Hegseth dodges question on Iran’s new leader

During the briefing, Daily Wire reporter Mary Margaret Olohan asked about reports surrounding Iran’s leadership and the possibility of Russian involvement.

“There's been reports that the new leader of Iran has been wounded. Do you know if this is true and what his condition is? And then another one, President Trump said he had a really good call with President Putin yesterday. Will Russia be aiding us in this conflict and can you share anything on that?”

Hegseth declined to address the status of the Iranian leader but reiterated Washington’s warning to Tehran over nuclear ambitions.  

“The president, as I've said before, maintains strong relationships with world leaders, which creates opportunities and options for us in very dynamic ways… The new leader of Iran. He would be wise to heed the words of our president, which is to not pursue nuclear weapons, and come out and state as such. As far as his status, that's not something I can comment on right now.”

Pete Hegseth warns of most intense Iran strikes

Hegseth said March 10 would mark the most aggressive day of attacks since the start of the joint US-Israeli operation against Iran.

“Today will be yet again our most intense day of strikes inside Iran: the most fighters, the most bombers, the most strikes, intelligence, more refined, and better than ever,” Hegseth said during a press briefing Tuesday morning. “On the other hand, the last 24 hours have seen Iran fire the lowest number of missiles they’ve been capable of firing yet.”

Pentagon says 5,000 Iran targets destroyed

During the same briefing, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine said US forces had struck more than 5,000 Iranian targets since the start of the campaign.

Caine said Air Force bombers had recently deployed dozens of 2,000-pound GPS-guided penetrating weapons against deeply buried missile launch facilities.

“On day 10 of Operation Epic Fury, we are winning with an overwhelming and unrelenting focus on our objectives,” Hegseth said. “No hesitation, no half measures. As President Trump declared yesterday, we’re crushing the enemy in an overwhelming display of technical skill and military force. We will not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated.” 

Hegseth also defended the US military’s efforts to avoid civilian casualties during the operation.

“No nation takes more precautions to ensure there is never targeting of civilians than the US,” he said. “From the boat strikes in the Caribbean to this campaign here, no nation in the history of warfare has ever attempted in every way possible to avoid civilian casualties.”

“It’s a point that isn’t appreciated enough,” he added. “Where things happen that need to be investigated, we’ll investigate.” The Pentagon confirmed it was reviewing reports that an Iranian girls’ school may have been struck during the operation.

Pentagon outlines goals of Iran campaign

Caine said the campaign is focused on three main objectives. The first is destroying Iran’s ballistic missile and drone capabilities in order to protect US forces and regional partners.

“That means attacking launch sites, command and control nodes, and stockpiles before they can threaten our personnel, our facilities, and our partners,” he said.

The second objective is targeting Iranian naval forces while safeguarding shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

The third goal involves strikes on Iran’s military and industrial infrastructure, including weapons production facilities, research sites, and related military assets.