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19 Mar 2026, 13:51

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the continuation of U.S. military operations in the war against Iran according to the objectives announced from day one, stating that "today the most severe attacks against Iran will take place."

On Thursday, March 18, Hegseth, in a joint press conference with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, announced that 120 Iranian warships have been destroyed and 11 minesweepers have been targeted.

General Dan Keen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also stated in the press conference that U.S. forces "are advancing further into Iranian territory every day" and added that the country will continue to conduct major combat operations in Iran. Hegseth also mentioned that "there is no specific timeline for the end of the war with Iran."

In another part of the conference, General Keen announced that the United States has conducted attacks against Iran-aligned militia groups in Iraq. He stated that "AH-64" helicopters have been deployed in these operations to suppress any threats against U.S. forces and interests in Iraq.
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The U.S. Secretary of War, in a press conference referring to the destruction of the military capabilities of the Islamic Republic, sarcastically remarked that the last job in the world that is in demand is the command of the IRGC and Basij; a temporary job! He criticized Europe and the media, stating that the world should be grateful to President Trump for protecting it against this terrorist regime that had taken the world hostage.
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Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of War, defended the "Epic Fury" operation in the press conference on Thursday, March 18, emphasizing that this conflict is different from previous U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and has a "laser focus." He criticized media outlets that are critical of Donald Trump, saying some media are trying to downplay the progress and exaggerate the costs. Hegseth also stated that contrary to some narratives, this conflict will not turn into an "endless war." He referred to his experience in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, calling the policies of previous U.S. administrations like Bush and Obama foolish, and said this operation is being conducted with a different approach.
@VahidOOnLine
Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of War, stated that the U.S. military objectives regarding Iran remain unchanged. In a press conference at the Pentagon, he said: "Our operations are precise, focused, and decisive. Our objectives, as set by the President from day one with the 'America First' approach, remain exactly the same." Hegseth emphasized that these objectives include the destruction of missiles and launch platforms, the dismantling of Iran's military infrastructure to prevent the rebuilding of military capabilities, the elimination of Iran's navy, and preventing the country from acquiring nuclear weapons. He added: "For decades, Iran has spent its resources on developing missiles, drones, and underground facilities instead of on its people. But we are targeting them... in a way that no army in the world is capable of doing, and the results speak for themselves."
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U.S. Defense Secretary: Families of fallen American soldiers want us to finish the job.
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Regarding the possibility of providing internet for the people of Iran by the U.S., the Secretary of War stated that they are working on this matter. He mentioned that the potential withdrawal of U.S. forces from the Middle East after the threat from the Islamic Republic is removed is not something they will disclose, and their actions depend on U.S. national interests.
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General Dan Keen, who was present at the Pentagon press conference alongside Pete Hegseth, responded to a question about whether Iran still has the capability to attack energy infrastructure across the Gulf after nearly three weeks of war, stating that Iran "entered this conflict with a large number of weapons," which is why the United States is acting so "aggressively and decisively." He said that the U.S. will continue to "hunt, find, and eliminate them," but at the same time emphasized that Iran still retains "some capability."
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