On Monday, U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, proclaimed that although the offensive against Iran was not intended as a "regime change war," the reality is the "regime has changed, and the world is better off for it." This statement followed the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during the military operation named 'Epic Fury.'
During a press briefing at the Pentagon, Hegseth described the operation—initiated on Saturday—as "the most lethal, complex, and precise in history." He emphasized that the strikes were carried out "with overwhelming precision" and asserted that as the conflict progresses, the military capabilities of the United States "grow stronger," while those of Iran "grow weaker."
"We dictate the terms of this war from start to finish. Our ambitions are not utopian; they are realistic," Hegseth stated, according to EFE. He added that President Trump and his administration previously sought a diplomatic resolution, but accused Tehran of stalling negotiations to "buy time and replenish their missile arsenals."
Hegseth stressed that the operation would not be "endless" and distinguished it from past conflicts like Iraq. "This operation is a clear, devastating, and decisive mission: destroy the missile threat, dismantle the Navy, no nuclear weapons," he declared.
Meanwhile, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, cautioned that the operations "will take some time" and will require "difficult and arduous work." He confirmed that 57 continuous hours of military action have already taken place, labeling this as the "initial phase" of the operation.
Caine elaborated that the deployment involves thousands of personnel from all branches of the Armed Forces, hundreds of advanced fourth and fifth-generation fighters, dozens of tanker aircraft, and the Ford and Lincoln aircraft carrier strike groups.
The Department of Defense also confirmed the death of a fourth U.S. service member due to injuries sustained during the initial attacks of 'Epic Fury.'
Insights into the U.S. Military Operation in Iran
What was the purpose of the 'Epic Fury' operation?
'Epic Fury' aimed to dismantle Iran's missile threat, disable their navy, and prevent nuclear weapon development, according to Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth.
How did the U.S. justify starting military action against Iran?
The U.S. justified the military action by claiming Tehran stalled diplomatic talks to buy time for missile arsenal replenishment, leaving no choice but to act decisively.
What were the key elements of the military deployment?
The deployment included thousands of U.S. military personnel, hundreds of advanced fighters, dozens of tanker aircraft, and aircraft carrier strike groups.