The United States is set to launch its most extensive series of attacks on Iran since the beginning of the current campaign, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced during a press briefing, attributing the move to direct orders from President Donald Trump.

“Per the president’s direction, today will be the largest volume of strikes since day one of this operation,” Hegseth said.

He made clear that the intensity of the operation is expected to grow even further in the immediate future.

“Tomorrow, even more than today. And then Iran has a choice. Choose wisely, because this president does not play around,” he added.

His comments point to a deliberate expansion of U.S. military action, as Washington increases pressure on Tehran following recent clashes across the region.

Hegseth also highlighted the recovery of a U.S. pilot whose aircraft had been downed deep inside Iranian territory, presenting it as a defining moment in the broader campaign.

According to Hegseth, the pilot managed to transmit a signal while evading capture. “The airman activated his transponder with the message ‘God is good’,” Hegseth said.

The service member was ultimately rescued by American forces after remaining hidden for several hours inside Iran.

Hegseth sharply criticized Iran’s military response to the incident. “Iran’s military is embarrassed and humiliated and they should be,” he said.