US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said American “firepower” over Iran is about to increase sharply, describing an expanded pace of operations after the UK agreed to permit the use of British bases in the region.

Speaking at a Pentagon press conference on 5 March, Hegseth called it “unfortunate” that access was not granted “from day one” — a reference to Donald Trump’s criticism of the UK’s initial stance — but added: “We got there. We got there,” suggesting approvals are now in place.

He said this would feed directly into how the US is “operationalising bomber runs”, adding that the next phase would involve “more fighter squadrons”, “more capabilities”, “more defensive capabilities”, and “more bomber pulses more frequently”.

“The amount of firepower over Iran and over Tehran is about to surge dramatically,” he said.

Hegseth and CENTCOM chief Adm Brad Cooper also suggested the US and Israel are focusing on individuals they say are involved in suppressing protests inside Iran. Hegseth argued that targeting such forces could weaken the state’s ability and willingness to crack down — and in turn “create an opportunity for people to boldly stand up”.

UK Fact Check Politics note: Hegseth’s remarks are statements of intent and political framing. He did not provide operational detail or evidence for the claims about targeting protest suppression.