U.S. to Launch Largest Strike Series Since Start of Iranian Conflict

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that today will witness the largest volume of strikes since the beginning of the Iranian operation.

He explained that the coordination call held by national security officials during the daring mission to rescue American pilots lasted nearly two consecutive days.

​Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Hegseth added: "We kept that coordination call open for 45 hours and 56 minutes. Our mission was steadfast and unwavering; the meeting never paused, and the planning never stopped."

​Hegseth continued, noting that the pilot—who evaded capture for over a day—had his aircraft downed on Good Friday, hid in a cave on Saturday, and by Easter Sunday, became a "pilot once again, returning home safely."

​The Defense Secretary then transitioned to praising the lethality of U.S. forces during the rescue operation, stating: "Ask any Iranian soldier who dared to approach that pilot before or during that mission. It was death from heaven."