Washington, DC — Secretary of War Pete Hegseth praised the U.S.
military’s ongoing operation in Iran, claiming that it is not an “endless” or “regime change” war in a Monday morning press briefing at the Pentagon.
Speaking alongside Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine, Hegseth acknowledged the four U.S.
servicemembers that have been killed in action since “Operation Epic Fury” began early Saturday morning and noted that American deaths are likely not over: “We fight to win, and we don’t waste time, or lives.
As the President warned, an effort of this scope will include casualties,” the secretary told reporters.
“War is hell and always will be.
A grateful nation honors the four Americans we have lost thus far and those injured — the absolute best of America.” The names of the four service members killed or the four seriously injured have not been released at the time of publication.
Calling Operation Epic Fury the “most lethal, most complex, and most precise aerial operation in history,” Hegseth said, “We didn’t start this war, but under President Trump, we are finishing it.” “Their war on Americans has become our retribution against their Ayatollah and his death cult.” Trump confirmed on Saturday evening that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed, calling him “one of the most evil people in History.” Addressing concerns that Americans are tired of decades-long nation-building wars in the Middle East, Hegseth told the media and the “political left” to stop “screaming.” “This is not Iraq.
This is not endless.
I was there for both,” he stated plainly.
“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,” he added.
“This operation is a clear, devastating, decisive mission.
Destroy the missile threat, destroy the navy, no nukes.” He also gave a pat on the back to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), whom Trump said are “working closely” with the U.S.
on the Iranian operation.
“Israel has clear missions as well, for which we are grateful,” Hegseth said.
“Capable partners, as we’ve said since the beginning, capable partners are good partners — unlike so many of our traditional allies who wring their hands and clutch their pearls hemming and hawing about the use of force.” According to the War Secretary, the U.S.
military is engaging “on our terms, with maximum authorities, no stupid rules of engagement, no nation building....
