No timeframe for ending US war against Iran, says Pete Hegseth

On Thursday, the U.S. defense secretary declared there is no fixed schedule for concluding the ongoing conflict with Iran, while acknowledging potential requests for additional funding. The military operation, involving U.S. and Israeli forces, has been intensifying for three weeks and is expanding its reach. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump reiterated his intent to target a major gasfield, following Israeli strikes on Iranian sites that triggered retaliatory actions against energy infrastructure in the Gulf region.

Steadfast Commitment to Campaign Goals

Hegseth, addressing reporters at the Pentagon, hinted that Thursday might mark the most significant U.S. military action yet. “We’ve struck over 7,000 targets across Iran’s military systems,” he stated, emphasizing the scale of operations. “Today’s strike will bring unprecedented devastation from the skies.” Despite rising oil prices and a decline in presidential approval ratings, Hegseth refused to outline a clear exit strategy, asserting that “the president will decide when to stop.” He added that the mission remains aligned with initial objectives: dismantling Iran’s missile capabilities, weakening its defense industry, and preventing nuclear weapon acquisition.

“Our objectives, given directly from our America-first president, remain exactly what they were on day one. These are not the media’s objectives, not Iran’s objectives, not new objectives.”

Funding and Media Criticism

Hegseth dismissed accusations of mission creep, calling them a “media invention.” He also criticized the press for undermining progress, stating: “A dishonest and anti-Trump press will stop at nothing to downplay achievements, exaggerate costs, and question every step. TDS is in their DNA.” The Pentagon’s request for over $200bn in extra funds, however, has drawn attention. The first six days of the campaign cost nearly $13bn, according to The Guardian. “That number could shift,” Hegseth noted, “as it takes money to neutralize threats.”

Geographical Expansion of Operations

Gen Dan Caine, a top U.S. military officer, confirmed the campaign’s broadening scope, citing strikes that now reach deeper into Iranian territory. “Long-range attacks are penetrating further east,” he said, targeting storage facilities and coastal missile sites. In the Gulf, A-10 “Warthog” aircraft are focusing on fast-attack craft in Hormuz, while in Iraq, Apache helicopters are engaging Iran-backed militias. Allied forces are also deploying systems to counter Tehran’s drone attacks.

“We’re going back to Congress to ensure we’re adequately funded for what’s been done and what we may have to do next.”

Hegseth concluded his remarks with a spiritual appeal, urging Americans to “pray for our troops on bended knee with your family, in your schools, in your churches, in the name of Jesus Christ.”