No timeframe for ending US war against Iran, says Pete Hegseth
No End Date Set for U.S. Conflict with Iran, Announces Pete Hegseth
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Thursday that the United States has no set timeline for concluding its military engagement with Iran, while acknowledging the possibility of seeking additional funding. Reports indicate the Pentagon might request over $200 billion in extra taxpayer support, though Hegseth did not explicitly confirm or deny the claim during his address at the Pentagon.
Escalating Strikes in the Gulf
The U.S.-led military campaign against Iran, which began three weeks ago, has intensified. Hegseth hinted that Thursday would mark the most significant aerial assault yet, noting that more than 7,000 Iranian targets and military installations had been hit. “Today’s strike package will deliver unprecedented devastation,” he said, emphasizing the scale of the operation.
“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. Our objectives – unchanged, on target and on plan.”
Despite rising oil prices and a declining approval rating for President Trump, Hegseth refrained from outlining a strategy to withdraw. He stated that the decision to halt the conflict would rest with the president, asserting, “It will be at the president’s choosing, ultimately, where we say, ‘Hey, we’ve achieved what we need to.’”
Expanding the War’s Reach
The scope of the operation has broadened significantly. In the Gulf, U.S. aircraft and naval units have targeted numerous vessels, including mine-layers and submarines, to secure the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz. Hegseth dismissed concerns about mission creep, calling it a media fabrication. He reiterated that the campaign’s goals are focused on neutralizing Iran’s missile capabilities, weakening its defense infrastructure, and preventing nuclear weapon development.
Meanwhile, Gen Dan Caine, a top military official, added that operations are advancing deeper into Iranian territory. Long-range strikes now target underground facilities, drone bases, and coastal missile sites using specialized munitions. Caine highlighted the geographical expansion, noting U.S. forces are deploying A-10 Warthog aircraft to engage fast-attack vessels in Hormuz and Apache helicopters to strike Iran-backed militia groups in Iraq.
Media Criticism and Religious Appeal
Hegseth also criticized the press, accusing it of undermining the administration’s efforts. “A dishonest and anti-Trump press will stop at nothing to downplay progress, amplify every cost, and question every step,” he said, referencing the so-called Trump derangement syndrome. The defense secretary concluded with a religious message, urging Americans to pray for troops in various settings, including “schools, churches, and the name of Jesus Christ.”
According to The Guardian, the first six days of the conflict had already cost nearly $13 billion. Hegseth noted that the $200 billion figure could still shift, adding, “Obviously, it takes money to kill bad guys.” He emphasized the need to secure further funding from Congress to sustain the campaign’s momentum.
