Washington, March 4 (NationPress) The United States is integrating autonomous systems and artificial intelligence technologies into its military operations against Iran, as confirmed by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth during a Pentagon briefing.

During the presentation on Operation Epic Fury, Hegseth acknowledged the significant role of these advanced technologies in the conflict, though he withheld specific details.

“We have numerous autonomous systems, including drones, equipped with intelligent AI components,” Hegseth stated.

He added, “Much of the technology remains classified.”

The deployment of autonomous systems underscores the rising influence of AI in contemporary warfare, especially in areas like drone operations, surveillance, and precision targeting.

U.S. officials report that the ongoing campaign against Iran features a mix of long-range strikes, naval operations, and precision air attacks aimed at dismantling Tehran's military capabilities.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force General Dan Caine, mentioned that U.S. forces have successfully targeted over 2,000 locations in the initial phase of the operation.

“So far, we have engaged more than 2,000 targets,” Caine revealed.

The military strategy focuses on three key objectives: eliminating Iran’s ballistic missile systems, neutralizing its naval forces, and preventing Iran from restoring its military power.

“First, we are targeting and eradicating Iran’s ballistic missile systems,” Caine explained. “Secondly, we are dismantling the Iranian Navy. Lastly, we’re ensuring that Iran cannot quickly restore its combat capabilities.”

The Pentagon indicated that U.S. tactics are evolving as the operation continues, transitioning from long-range strikes to more direct precision attacks within Iranian airspace.

“CENTCOM is transitioning from large-scale deliberate strikes using standoff munitions to precision strikes directly over Iran,” Caine stated.

The U.S. aims to sustain pressure on Iranian forces and disrupt their missile and drone launch capabilities.

According to officials, Iranian missile attacks have significantly decreased since the conflict's onset.

“Iran's theatre ballistic missile launches have dropped by 86% since hostilities began,” Caine noted.

Despite these advancements, U.S. military leaders warned that the situation remains perilous and unpredictable.

“These operations are intricate, hazardous, and far from finished,” Caine cautioned.

Operation Epic Fury was initiated earlier this week amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran regarding missile attacks and Iran's nuclear ambitions, marking one of the most serious military confrontations in the Middle East in recent years.