U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth issued a forceful condemnation of Iranian missile tactics during a Pentagon briefing on March 10, 2026, highlighting the deliberate use of civilian infrastructure as launch sites. Speaking amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran war, Hegseth stated that Iranian forces have fired missiles from schools and hospitals, describing the actions as “deliberately targeting innocents” and labeling the attackers as “terrorist cowards.”

The briefing took place on what Hegseth described as the most intense day of the U.S.-led air campaign since joint U.S.-Israeli operations commenced on February 28, targeting Iran’s missile and naval infrastructure. The intensified strikes are part of a broader strategy aimed at systematically degrading Iran’s military capabilities, including its ballistic missile programs, naval assets, and command-and-control facilities.

Hegseth’s remarks underscore the administration’s position that Iran’s use of civilian sites is a sign of desperation, reflecting the cumulative effects of continuous U.S.-Israeli operations. By using schools and hospitals as missile launch locations, Iranian leaders are placing noncombatants at extreme risk, violating established norms of warfare and prompting international condemnation.

The escalation comes as Iran has retaliated with missile barrages targeting Israeli territory and U.S. bases in the region. Despite these retaliatory attacks, U.S. forces have maintained air superiority, striking at strategic Iranian assets while minimizing collateral damage wherever possible through precision targeting and coordinated operational planning.

Defense officials note that Hegseth’s public statements serve both operational and strategic purposes. By highlighting Iran’s targeting of civilians, the U.S. reinforces the legitimacy of its campaign while drawing attention to Tehran’s violations of international law. These remarks also provide context for continued escalations, signaling that U.S. operations will intensify as long as Iran persists in using civilians as shields.

Analysts have emphasized that the combination of precision strikes and public accountability aims to degrade Iran’s capabilities while isolating the regime diplomatically. By portraying Iranian actions as reckless and immoral, U.S. officials hope to pressure Tehran into reconsidering its tactics while maintaining operational momentum in the field.

As the conflict continues, Hegseth affirmed that U.S. forces remain committed to achieving the campaign’s objectives, emphasizing both the systematic weakening of Iranian military power and the protection of allied forces and civilian populations across the region.