Top Stories: March 10, 2026

Pete Hegseth said the conflict with Iran could see its most intense day of military strikes so far, as operations between the United States, Israel and Iranian forces continue to escalate across the region.

Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, the U.S. defense secretary said the pace and duration of the military campaign will ultimately be determined by Donald Trump.

Human rights organizations report that the death toll inside Iran has risen to more than 1,200 people since the conflict intensified, though those figures have not been independently verified.

Officials in Tehran say they are not currently seeking a ceasefire with the United States or Israel. However, President Trump said in an interview that Iranian leaders “want to talk really badly,” suggesting possible diplomatic discussions could still emerge.

Israeli officials also said military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon may continue even longer than the current campaign targeting Iranian forces.

Energy markets are closely monitoring the situation after Saudi Arabia warned the conflict could disrupt global oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.