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U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth declined on Monday to specify a timeline for the ongoing U.S.–Israeli war on Iran, stating that the decision rests with President Donald Trump, who will determine the length of the military campaign against Tehran.
In his first press conference since the outbreak of the war, Hegseth said the United States would conclude its joint military operation with Israel against Iran “on terms defined by the United States first.” He acknowledged that the war “will involve casualties.”
He stressed that the conflict is not an open-ended war, describing U.S. strikes as precise, powerful, and relentless. According to Hegseth, the American mission in Iran focuses on destroying its missile systems and naval capabilities and preventing it from acquiring nuclear weapons.
He also clarified that the war is not aimed at establishing democracy or pursuing regime change, stating that “the regime has already changed,” referring to shifts resulting from ongoing military operations. He emphasized that the campaign is not about nation-building or politically driven warfare, but about achieving victory without unnecessary loss of time or lives.
Hegseth confirmed that no U.S. ground forces have been deployed inside Iran as part of the joint offensive with Israel but said the United States is prepared to go as far as necessary in the conflict.
Meanwhile, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said achieving military objectives in Iran would take time and that additional American casualties are expected. He added that the United States continues to deploy additional forces to the Middle East despite the already significant military buildup.
Caine also announced that U.S. forces have established air superiority over parts of Iranian airspace, stating that American strikes have secured localized air dominance. He said this superiority would enhance force protection and enable continued operations over Iran.
AFP + Reuters