US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has declared that the US is determined to bring its conflict with Iran to a decisive close, insisting that the United States “didn’t start this war” but would finish it under Donald Trump.
Speaking at a Pentagon press conference, Hegseth accused the Iranian regime of waging what he described as a “one-sided war against America” for 47 years. He cited past attacks, including the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, rocket assaults on US naval vessels, embassy attacks, and roadside bombings targeting American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“We didn’t start this war, but under President Trump, we are finishing it,” Hegseth said.
Operation Epic Fury
His remarks come as US forces intensify operations under Operation Epic Fury, a highly classified campaign targeting Iran’s military infrastructure.
According to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, President Trump approved the operation on 27 February, issuing a direct order: “Operation Epic Fury is approved. No aborts. Good luck.”
Caine said the operation was designed to ensure “speed, surprise and violence of action,” emphasizing the US military’s ability to rapidly project power. He confirmed that Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, would receive additional forces as part of the buildup.
Hegseth outlined the mission’s objectives, describing them as “laser focused”: destroying Iranian offensive missile systems, dismantling missile production facilities, neutralizing naval assets and security infrastructure, and ensuring Iran “will never have nuclear weapons.”
“We’re hitting them surgically, overwhelmingly and unapologetically,” he said.
American War Casualty
The defense secretary also acknowledged the death of a fourth US service member in Iran’s counterattacks. “War is hell and always will be,” Hegseth said, honoring the fallen and those injured. “Our grateful nation honors the four Americans we have lost thus far – the absolute best of America.”
Responding to criticism that the conflict risks becoming another prolonged US engagement in the Middle East, Hegseth pushed back firmly.
“This is not Iraq. This is not endless. I was there for both. Our generation knows better, and so does this president,” he said.
Hegseth further accused Iran of using missile and drone development as a “conventional shield” for what he called nuclear blackmail ambitions. He said Tehran had refused diplomatic overtures following the 12-day Israel-Iran war in June, despite what he described as efforts by senior US officials and envoys to secure a peaceful resolution.
“The former regime had every chance to make a peaceful and sensible deal, but Tehran was not negotiating,” he said.
The Pentagon has not disclosed the full scope of the ongoing campaign, but officials signaled that operations will continue until US strategic objectives are achieved.
