No timeframe for ending US war against Iran, says Pete Hegseth
No timeframe for ending US war against Iran, says Pete Hegseth
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed on Thursday that the US military campaign against Iran has no set duration, emphasizing that the conflict will persist until its objectives are fully realized. He also acknowledged the possibility of seeking an additional $200 billion in funding from Congress, though he did not explicitly confirm the request.
Escalating Strikes and Presidential Threats
The ongoing US-Israeli military action, which began three weeks prior, has expanded significantly. US President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday of a potential “massive blow” to the world’s largest gasfield after Israeli strikes on an Iranian site prompted Tehran to retaliate with intensified attacks on oil and gas infrastructure in the Gulf region.
“We wouldn’t want to set a definitive timeframe,” Hegseth stated, noting that the decision to conclude the operation will rest with Trump. “It will be at the president’s choosing, ultimately, where we say, ‘Hey, we’ve achieved what we need to.’”
Hegseth predicted that Thursday would mark the most substantial US aerial assault to date, citing that over 7,000 targets across Iran’s military infrastructure had already been hit. “Today will be the largest strike package yet … death and destruction from above,” he added.
Strategic Objectives and Media Criticism
The campaign’s goals, according to Hegseth, focus on dismantling Iran’s missile capabilities, disrupting its defense industry, and weakening its naval forces. He reiterated that these targets are aligned with the “America-first” vision of the administration, calling them “unchanged, on target and on plan.”
Hegseth dismissed claims of mission creep as a “media invention,” accusing journalists of undermining the campaign by downplaying progress and highlighting costs. “A dishonest and anti-Trump press will stop at nothing to downplay progress, amplify every cost, and call into question every step,” he said, suggesting the media suffers from “Trump derangement syndrome.”
Expanded Operations and Coalition Efforts
As the conflict intensifies, US forces have broadened their efforts. In the Gulf, aircraft and naval units are targeting oil tankers and submarines to secure the strategic strait of Hormuz, which Iran had previously threatened to block. Meanwhile, Apache helicopters in Iraq are striking militia groups linked to Tehran, while allied forces deploy similar systems to counter Iran’s drone attacks.
General Dan Caine, a top US military official, noted that operations are “on track” and that long-range strikes are now reaching deeper into Iranian territory. These attacks utilize bunker-busting munitions to destroy underground facilities and coastal missile sites.
Concluding his remarks, Hegseth urged Americans to “pray for US troops on bended knee with your family, in your schools, in your churches, in the name of Jesus Christ,” reflecting his alignment with Christian nationalist ideals.
