Washington, March 5 (SANA) The United States said Wednesday that its war with Iran has “only just begun,” as the conflict expanded with new military strikes, regional attacks and rising casualties, according to a report by U.S. public broadcaster PBS.
U.S. officials say American forces have struck more than 2,000 targets in Iran since the fighting began, largely focusing on ballistic missile infrastructure and drone capabilities. Iran’s Health Ministry said more than 920 people have been killed in the country.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the campaign against Iranian military assets would intensify.
“We are punching them while they’re down, which is exactly how it should be,” Hegseth said, according to PBS.
Conflict spreads across the region
The conflict widened further when Iran launched a drone into NATO territory for the first time, officials said. Turkey reported that its air defense systems shot down an Iranian missile in the country’s south.
In another development, a U.S. submarine sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena with a torpedo off the coast of Sri Lanka, marking the first time since World War II that a warship has been sunk by a submarine-launched torpedo in combat.
The vessel had been returning from naval exercises hosted by India. Sri Lankan authorities said 32 sailors were rescued and nearly 100 bodies recovered, while dozens remain missing. U.S. officials say American forces have sunk 20 Iranian ships since the conflict began.
U.S. plans deeper strikes inside Iran
Pentagon leaders said U.S. strikes would soon expand deeper into Iranian territory as American forces gain greater control of Iranian airspace.
“We will now begin to expand inland, striking progressively deeper into Iranian territory,” said Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Israel has also continued attacks against Iranian military targets, including internal security services and leadership structures.
Iran has responded by launching more than 2,500 missiles and drones, although the number of launches has recently declined by about 23 percent, according to U.S. officials.
Some strikes have targeted energy facilities in Gulf countries, including an oil industry zone in the United Arab Emirates that was seen engulfed in flames and thick smoke.
In a message addressed to Arab governments, Iran’s president said Tehran had been forced to defend itself.
“We respect your sovereignty and believe the region’s peace must be ensured by the countries of the region,” he wrote.
Political debate grows in Washington
The war has also sparked debate in Washington.
The Senate rejected a bill introduced by lawmakers that would have required congressional approval before further attacks on Iran. Some lawmakers, however, warned they could reconsider their stance if the conflict continues for an extended period.
“I will be a no for now,” said Rep. Nancy Mace, adding that if the fighting goes beyond a few weeks she would have “a lot more concerns.”
American casualties and evacuations
The conflict has also claimed American lives. Officials said four reservists from the 103rd Sustainment Command in Iowa were killed when an Iranian drone struck a building in Kuwait where they were stationed.
