Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Signals Gulf Ally Mobilization for Offensive Strikes as US Aerial Campaign Reaches Peak

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirms Gulf allies are moving to an offensive role against Iran as US bomber sorties reach a record high.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 13, 2026, 10:37 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Times of Israel.

The Mobilization of Regional Partners

In a significant shift in regional coalition dynamics, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced that Gulf allies are "stepping up" to take an offensive role in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Speaking during a strategic update on the two-week-old campaign, Hegseth suggested that the previous defensive posture of Arab states is being replaced by active participation in strikes alongside US and Israeli forces. He emphasized that the technological and strategic advantage of the coalition continues to widen as regional partners integrate their capabilities into the broader offensive framework, a move that significantly complicates Tehran's defensive calculus.

A Doctrine of Peace Through Strength

Hegseth’s remarks underscored the administrative philosophy of "Peace through Strength," asserting that the United States remains the sole arbiter of the war’s progression. According to the Defense Secretary, President Donald Trump will personally determine the "pace, tempo, and timing" of all military engagements, ensuring that "America First" principles dictate the mission's scope. This centralized control is intended to project a clear message of resolve to Iranian leadership, signaling that the intensity of the conflict will be scaled according to American strategic interests rather than reactive maneuvers.

Unprecedented Surge in Aerial Operations

The Defense Secretary confirmed that Friday is projected to be the most active day for the US Air Force since the hostilities commenced. The campaign is expected to see the highest number of sorties carried out by American heavy bombers, including B-2 and B-52 units, targeting hardened Iranian infrastructure. This surge in aerial activity is designed to maximize the "advantage" Hegseth referenced, focusing on degrading the Islamic Republic’s command-and-control centers and missile production facilities. The escalation follows a period of sustained pressure that has already seen over 1,100 strikes conducted across the theater of operations.