US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Monday (local time) addressed the fears that the United States-Israeli strikes in Iran might turn into a prolonged regional war, adding that “This is not Iraq. This is not endless,” AP reported.
Hegseth, along with Air Force General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, held the US President Donald Trump’s administration’s first news conference since the 28 February strikes. Since the operation began, Trump has not taken any questions on camera, but has conducted a few phone interviews with individual reporters, and has also released two videos.
The US Defense Secretary said that the operation in Iran had a “clear, devastating, decisive mission” to “destroy the missile threat,” destroy its navy, and “no nukes.” He added that this is not a so-called regime change war, but the regime sure did change, and the world is better off for it.
US, Israel strike Iran
Hegseth’s remarks came two days after the US and Israel launched a joint operation in Iran, targeting the country’s military and naval forces. The strikes prompted Tehran to retaliate, following which it attacked US bases in some Middle Eastern countries, thereby plunging the entire region into a wider and renewed military confrontation. Iran and its allied armed groups have launched missiles at Israel, Arab states, and US bases.
Four American troops killed so far
So far, four American troops have been killed in action, and Trump, on 1 March, predicted that there could be more casualties. Air Force General said that the US is expected to have additional losses. Addressing the family members of those killed, Caine said, “We grieve with you, and we will never forget you.”
