US Expects 'Complete and Total Dominance' Over Iranian Airspace in Coming Hours – White House

 The United States is poised to achieve "complete and total dominance" over Iranian airspace in the coming hours, according to the White House, as the ongoing US-Israeli military operations against Iran enter their fifth day.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made the announcement during a briefing, stating: "We expect to have complete and total dominance over Iranian airspace in the coming hours." This follows earlier comments from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who asserted that the combined air forces of the United States and Israel "will have complete control of Iranian skies, uncontested airspace" within days, if not sooner.

Hegseth, speaking at the Pentagon, described the campaign—referred to as Operation Epic Fury—as progressing decisively. He emphasized that uncontested airspace would enable continuous operations, including round-the-clock strikes on Iran's missile capabilities, defense infrastructure, and military leadership. "Death and destruction from the sky, all day long," Hegseth said, adding that the US and Israel are "winning decisively, devastatingly and without mercy."

The statements come amid reports of significant degradation to Iran's air defenses, navy, and missile arsenal. Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks have reportedly decreased sharply, though Hegseth acknowledged that not all incoming threats can be intercepted despite enhanced US air defense systems in the region.

The conflict, which began with US and Israeli strikes targeting Iran's nuclear program, leadership, and military assets, has expanded regionally, with implications for maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz. The White House indicated it is developing plans to secure key waterways, while Gulf states remain cautious about fully aligning with the operations.

No ground troops have been deployed, and the administration has not ruled out future options, though Leavitt stressed the focus remains on air and naval superiority to achieve strategic objectives without a prolonged ground engagement.

This development marks a critical escalation in the US-Iran confrontation under the current administration, with officials framing it as a necessary response to threats against US interests and allies.