WASHINGTON

The US defense secretary said Tuesday will be the "most intense" day of US strikes in its ongoing military operation against Iran, which began late last month.

"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," Pete Hegseth told a news conference alongside Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

His remarks came amid the ongoing US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which began on Feb. 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other top security officials, as well as some 1,300 people so far.

"On day 10 of Operation Epic Fury, we are winning with an overwhelming and unrelenting focus on our objectives," Hegseth said.

He listed three objectives of the war: destroying Iran's missile stockpiles, missile launchers and defense industrial base, missiles, and their ability to make them; destroying their navy; and denying Iran the ability to produce nuclear weapons.

"We will not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated," Hegseth said without giving further information when the operation will end.

Caine, for his part, said the US has struck more than 5,000 Iranian targets, and more than 50 Iranian naval ships were destroyed in the first 10 days of the military campaign.

"US CENTCOM continues today to hunt and strike mine-laying vessels and mine storage facilities. This work will continue," he added.