The United States has declared its intention to establish “complete control” over Iran’s airspace as joint U.S.–Israeli military operations against Tehran enter their third day.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said American and Israeli forces would dominate Iranian skies within days, describing what he called “uncontested airspace” over the country.
“Starting last night and to be completed in a few days in under a week the two most powerful air forces in the world will have complete control of Iranian skies,” Hegseth said while briefing reporters alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine.
He added that operations would continue around the clock.
“It means we will fly all day, all night finding, fixing and finishing the missiles and defence industrial base of the Iranian military,” Hegseth said.
“Flying over Tehran, flying over Iran, until we decide it’s over.”
According to Hegseth, U.S. strategic bombers and fighter aircraft including B-2s, B-52s, B-1 bombers, drones and other combat aircraft would be deployed to maintain aerial superiority and target Iranian military infrastructure.
The remarks follow joint U.S. and Israeli strikes launched on Saturday, which have significantly escalated tensions across the Middle East.
Iran has since carried out retaliatory attacks across the region, including targeting countries hosting U.S. military bases.
The rapidly expanding conflict has drawn international concern.
The United Nations and several world governments have called for restraint and urged all sides to pursue diplomatic solutions.
Despite mounting pressure for de-escalation, neither Washington, Tehran nor Israel has signaled any immediate move toward negotiations, raising fears of a prolonged and potentially wider regional war.
