U.S. Campaign Against Iran Remains Focused, Says Army Secretary

Army Secretary Pete Hegseth stated Thursday that the U.S. effort against Iran is “laser-focused” and aims to decisively achieve its goals. He outlined the operations aimed at systematically degrading Iran’s military capabilities, distancing the current campaign from comparisons to past long-term conflicts.

During a Pentagon briefing on the 20th day of Operation Epic Fury, Hegseth confronted narratives suggesting that the operation risks devolving into a prolonged war reminiscent of Iraq or Afghanistan. He emphasizes that the mission is clear and purpose-driven.

“The media tends to portray that, just 19 days in, we’re heading toward an endless abyss, or, in other words, a ‘forever war’. Nothing could be more inaccurate,” Hegseth asserted. He pointed out that this campaign is distinct from previous conflicts, highlighting its focus on eliminating threats to the United States rather than nation-building.

“This is not that kind of war,” he remarked, describing the operation as focused and decisive, with objectives that have been consistent since the beginning.

“Our goals, as defined directly by the president, remain unchanged,” Hegseth noted. “If we eliminate the missiles, the launchers, and Iran’s defense infrastructure, we can greatly hinder Iran’s ability to rebuild and its potential for acquiring nuclear weapons.”

According to Hegseth, the U.S. military is maintaining consistent pressure across Iran’s military structure, with progress aligning with the overall plan.

“To my fellow reporters, no one is flawless in wartime,” he advised, insisting that reporting should mirror battlefield realities. “But the truth is, we are winning decisively on our terms.”

Hegseth indicated that U.S. forces have targeted over 7,000 sites within Iran’s military infrastructure, describing the operation as a precise execution of “overwhelming force.” He emphasized that U.S. actions are methodical and relentless, aiming to dismantle Iran’s missile capabilities and other military assets.

He added that continuous pressure has significantly curtailed Iran’s offensive capabilities, noting a roughly 90% reduction in ballistic missile launches and unprovoked drone strikes since the operation began.

Moreover, Hegseth claimed U.S. forces “damaged or sank more than 120 Iranian vessels,” thereby crippling vital parts of Iran’s naval operations.

“We chose to share maritime space with Iran. We’ve essentially handed them the bottom half,” he explained.

He also highlighted the increasing pressure on Iran’s leadership, suggesting that currently, “the last job anyone in the world wants right now” is to lead within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, calling those roles “temporary jobs, everything.”

Hegseth underscored that the campaign is grounded in decades of Iranian hostility aimed at the U.S. and its interests.

“For 47 years, Iran has posed a threat to the United States and our interests,” he said, reiterating that the regime heavily relies on state-sponsored terrorism and other underground activities connected to a radical ideology.

“A regime that insists on pursuing nuclear ambitions is not merely a regional threat,” he stated. “It represents a direct danger to America, freedom, and civilization.”

Air Force Gen. Dan Cain, who chairs the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that U.S. Central Command is continuing its objectives regarding Iran’s missile and defense capabilities.

Cain mentioned that the military has deployed heavy munitions against underground sites housing coastal defense systems and has conducted operations deep in Iranian airspace targeting drones.

He added that A-10 aircraft and AH-64 Apache helicopters are engaged along the southern front, specifically addressing fast attack crafts to restrict Iran’s power projection.

Both leaders took a moment to honor six U.S. military personnel who lost their lives during the operation, noting the return of their bodies to Dover Air Force Base.

“Through tears and hugs, the sentiment from every family was clear: Please end this,” Hegseth concluded. “And we do.”