In their first remarks to reporters since the operation began Saturday, U.S
By Bernie,
In their first remarks to reporters since the operation began Saturday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine outlined the objectives of the U.S. military campaign in Iran. Hegseth stated the mission is "laser-focused" on three goals: "Destroy Iranian missiles, destroy Iranian missile production, destroy their navy and other security infrastructure and they will never have nuclear weapons."
Hegseth accused Iran of starting the conflict through its "stubborn and self-evident nuclear pursuit" and "targeting global shipping lines," stating: "Iran had a conventional gun to our head as they tried to lie their way to a nuclear bomb. We didn't start this war but under President Trump we're finishing it."
He drew a sharp distinction from previous U.S. campaigns in the region, saying: "This is not Iraq. This is not endless. I was there for both. Our generation knows better, and so does this president. He called the last 20 years of nation-building wars dumb and he's right. This is the opposite. This operation is a clear, devastating, decisive mission."
Hegseth confirmed there are no U.S. ground forces in Iran but declined to discuss future plans. He insisted the operation would not be prolonged or involve nation-building. On the death of Khamenei, Hegseth said: "This is not a so-called regime change war, but the regime sure did change. And the world is better off for it."
Gen. Caine said it will take time to complete battle damage assessments and that CENTCOM's targeting operations will continue to adapt accordingly.
Topics: Iran, Missile Defense & Alerts
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