‘They Are Toast’: Pete Hegseth Says US, Israel Will Soon ‘Completely’ Control Iran’s Airspace

Last Updated:March 04, 2026, 19:10 IST

The US Defence Secretary also invoked Trump’s 2020 killing of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani after a warship bearing his name was sunk.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday said the United States and Israel will soon “completely" control Iran’s airspace as the conflict between Tehran and its adversaries entered its fifth day.

“They are toast and they know it. Or at least, soon enough, they will know it," Hegseth said while discussing the battlefield situation, adding that Washington and its allies can sustain the fight if required.

Hegseth also said the United States would use an “unlimited stockpile of precision gravity bombs" if the conflict continues to escalate.

His remarks came hours after he said US forces had sunk an Iranian warship named Soleimani, a vessel named after the powerful Iranian general Qassem Soleimani who was killed in a US drone strike ordered by President Donald Trump in 2020.

“Last night, we sunk their prize ship, the Soleimani. Looks like POTUS got him twice," Hegseth said.

The defence chief also claimed Iran’s command structure had been severely damaged by the ongoing strikes.

“Iran’s senior leaders are dead. The so-called governing council that might have selected a successor is dead, missing, or in bunkers. Senior generals, mid-level officers and enlisted ranks can’t communicate or talk," he said.

Iran Claims ‘Complete Control’ Of Strait Of Hormuz

Meanwhile, Iran claimed it had “complete control" of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, raising concerns over global oil supplies.

The Revolutionary Guards said any vessel attempting to pass through the narrow waterway could risk damage from missiles or drones.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global oil and gas shipments, with a large share of energy exports from the Gulf passing through the corridor.

US President Donald Trump said earlier that the US Navy could escort oil tankers through the route if necessary.

War Spreads Across Region

The conflict has increasingly spread beyond Iran and Israel.

Iran launched missiles toward Israel on Wednesday, triggering sirens in Jerusalem. At the same time, Hezbollah militants in Lebanon fired missiles and drones at Israeli targets.

Israel responded by expanding operations in southern Lebanon, ordering residents living south of the Litani river to evacuate. Lebanese state media said Israeli forces had entered the border town of Khiam.

Elsewhere in the region, Gulf countries reported intercepting Iranian drones and missiles.

The United Arab Emirates said its air defences intercepted three ballistic missiles and more than 120 drones, while Qatar said its forces shot down 10 drones and two cruise missiles targeting the country.

News world ‘They Are Toast’: Pete Hegseth Says US, Israel Will Soon ‘Completely’ Control Iran’s Airspace

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