Pentagon vows escalation against Iran in first briefing since strikes began; says ‘we fight to win’

Key Highlights

• Hegseth reiterated Washington’s determination to stop Iran from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon, accusing the government in Tehran of fortifying its conventional arsenal as a protective shield for what he described as nuclear ambitions.
• He again criticised the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated under former President Barack Obama, dismissing it as a failure.
• Campaign aims to cripple Iranian missile and naval power Hegseth said the current US operation, “Operation Epic Fury,” is focused on destroying missile production sites, launch systems, naval assets and “wider security infrastructure”.
• He said Washington hopes the Iranian people recognise what he called an “incredible opportunity,” echoing President Donald Trump’s earlier message that “now is your time.” He addressed Iran’s internal security forces directly, warning they should “carefully consider” their next steps.
• Hegseth stressed that US strikes were being carried out in a manner he described as surgical yet overwhelming, insisting the campaign would not become what he termed an “endless war.” “This is not Iraq.