No timeframe for ending US war against Iran, says Pete Hegseth
Pete Hegseth: No Set Deadline for US Conflict with Iran
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asserted on Thursday that the United States has no defined timeline for concluding its military campaign against Iran, leaving the question of when the war will end unresolved. The conflict, which began three weeks prior, has expanded in scope, with US forces intensifying their efforts alongside Israel. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump warned of a major attack on Iran’s energy infrastructure, following Israeli strikes that prompted Tehran to retaliate against oil and gas installations in the Gulf region.
Progress and Persistence
At a Pentagon press briefing, Hegseth hinted that the coming day would mark a significant escalation in the US military’s operations. “We’ve targeted over 7,000 locations across Iran’s defense network,” he stated, emphasizing the scale of the strikes. “Today’s effort will be the most extensive yet, delivering devastation from the skies.” Despite surging oil prices and a drop in presidential approval, Hegseth refused to outline a strategy for withdrawal, insisting that the campaign’s direction remains “aligned with our goals.”
“We wouldn’t want to set a definitive timeframe,” Hegseth added. “Ultimately, the decision will rest with the president, who will determine when we’ve achieved our mission.”
Funding and Objectives
The Pentagon’s request for additional funding has drawn attention, with reports suggesting a potential $200 billion increase. Hegseth acknowledged the need for more resources, stating, “The figure could shift depending on how much further we need to go.” He defended the campaign’s focus, claiming its targets—such as Iran’s missile systems and naval capabilities—are essential to preventing nuclear proliferation. “Our objectives, directly from the America-first administration, remain unchanged,” he said, dismissing concerns of mission creep as media overstatements.
“Progress is clear, and the press will do anything to undermine it,” Hegseth remarked. “They suffer from Trump derangement syndrome, always questioning each step and exaggerating the costs.”
Global Reach and Tactical Shifts
General Dan Caine, a senior US military figure, confirmed the campaign’s geographic expansion. Long-range strikes now target underground facilities and coastal missile sites, using specialized munitions to penetrate deeper into Iranian territory. In the Gulf, A-10 aircraft are engaging fast-moving vessels near Hormuz, while Apache helicopters in Iraq are striking militant groups linked to Tehran. Allied forces have also joined in, deploying systems to counter Iran’s unmanned aerial attacks.
Concluding his remarks, Hegseth invoked a religious appeal, urging Americans to “prayerfully support our troops” through personal and communal devotion. “Pray with your family, in your schools, and in your churches,” he urged, framing the conflict as a moral and strategic imperative under the leadership of the current administration.
