Pete Hegseth says "largest strike package yet" coming today in Iran war

March 19, 2026

TL;DR

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the "largest strike package yet" against Iran.
The U.S. has struck over 7,000 targets in Iran, including military infrastructure.
The Pentagon is requesting an additional $200 billion for the war.
U.S. forces have developed "layered defenses throughout the region" against Iranian weapons.
Iran struck Qatar's Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas terminal, and Israel struck Iran's South Pars gas field.
U.S. crude and Brent crude futures rose significantly following the strikes.
President Trump stated the U.S. was unaware of Israel's attack on the South Pars gas field and issued a condition for further U.S. action.
Operation Epic Fury is described as not an "endless abyss or a forever war or quagmire."
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stated the Iranian regime "appears to be intact, although largely degraded."
Other countries are being asked to take responsibility for the Strait of Hormuz, which is effectively closed to the U.S. and allies.
The FBI is investigating former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent for alleged leaks of classified information related to the Iran war.

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