US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that Washington is not widening its military aims in Iran, even as the United States intensifies strikes against Iranian targets and speculation grows about political change in Tehran.
Speaking at United States Central Command headquarters, Hegseth said the military campaign, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, remains focused on specific strategic targets rather than expanding into a broader war.
“There’s no expansion in our objectives. We know exactly what we’re trying to achieve,” Hegseth said.
The Pentagon says the campaign is aimed at dismantling Iran’s offensive military capabilities and preventing the country from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
According to US officials, the operation targets Iranian missile systems, missile production facilities and naval forces.
Hegseth said the United States is steadily increasing military capabilities in the region while maintaining the same core mission. “When we say more to come, it’s more fighter squadrons, it’s more capabilities, it’s more defensive capabilities,” he said. “And it’s more bomber pulses more frequently.”
US CONTROLLING THE PACE OF THE WAR
The defense secretary emphasized that the United States is firmly in control of the military timetable. “We set the tempo,” Hegseth said. “We set the timeline led by the commander on the ground.”
He added that the US military has the resources needed to sustain the campaign. “Our munitions are full up and our will is ironclad,” Hegseth said. “We have only just begun to fight and fight decisively.”
Hegseth’s remarks come after President Donald Trump suggested the United States would play a role in shaping Iran’s leadership after the conflict.
In an interview with Reuters, Trump said Washington would likely have to help decide who leads Iran once the fighting ends.
Hegseth echoed that sentiment. “President Trump is having a heck of a say in who runs Iran given the ongoing operation,” he said.
THOUSANDS OF TARGETS STRUCK
US forces have struck more than 2,000 targets in Iran over the past six days, including Iranian naval vessels, according to officials.
Hegseth previously said the conflict could last as long as eight weeks, the longest timeline outlined by the Trump administration so far.
He also suggested the military pressure could create opportunities for political change within Iran.
“No one’s done more than President Trump to reopen the opportunity for those who want a free Iran to do so,” Hegseth said.
With inputs from agencies
