Iran’s top negotiator, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, vowed Tehran “won’t fold” after the United States launched a massive wave of strikes against more than 80 targets across Iran, sharply escalating the confrontation between the two countries.

According to US Central Command, the operation struck air defenses, radar systems, command centers, anti-ship missiles, and more than 60 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) boats in response to Iran’s attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military said the strikes were intended to cripple Tehran’s ability to threaten one of the world’s most vital trade routes.

Meanwhile, US War Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to arrive in Israel on Wednesday for his first visit since taking office. He is expected to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, with Iran and Washington’s planned sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey expected to dominate the talks.

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Secretary of War Pete Hegseth praised Israel’s conduct in the ongoing campaign against Iran, saying its mission is being executed with “unmatched skill” and “iron determination.”

Hegseth to Israel:

To our steadfast partner, Israel: your mission is being executed with unmatched skill and iron determination.

Fighting shoulder to shoulder with such a capable ally is a true force multiplier and a breath of fresh air. pic.twitter.com/3bHjiGj6un

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) March 4, 2026

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