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War Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday outlined what he described as a “clear” three-part mission against Iran, insisting the conflict “is not endless” and sharply rejecting comparisons to past U.S. wars in the Middle East.
Speaking during the first Pentagon briefing since U.S.-Israeli strikes began over the weekend, Hegseth said Operation Epic Fury has a narrowly defined objective: destroy Iran’s offensive missile capabilities, cripple its navy and prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
“We set the terms of this war from start to finish. Our ambitions are not utopian. They are realistic, scoped to our interests and the defense of our people and our allies,” he told reporters.
Hegseth said the campaign is being carried out “surgically” but with overwhelming force, arguing the United States is steadily degrading Iran’s capabilities while strengthening its own posture in the region.
War Secretary Pete Hegseth, left, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine take questions during a press conference on U.S. military action in Iran at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on March 2, 2026. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/via Getty Images)
He also acknowledged the risk of additional casualties, saying four Americans have been killed so far, and vowed to press ahead until the operation’s objectives are met.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine said the operation began Saturday under U.S. Central Command and cautioned that it would not be a one-night effort.
This is a breaking news story; check back for updates.
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