WASHINGTON (Realist English). US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran’s leadership is “desperate and scrambling” as the conflict between the United States and Iran enters its second week, vowing that Washington will continue military operations until its objectives are achieved.
Speaking at a Pentagon briefing alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, Hegseth said the United States will end the war with Iran “on our timeline” and will not stop until the enemy is “totally and decisively defeated.”
The defense secretary also issued a warning to Moscow, urging Russia not to become involved in the conflict.
Hegseth addressed Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, saying he should heed the warnings of US President Donald Trump and refrain from pursuing nuclear weapons.
During the briefing, Hegseth also commented on reports that a recent strike hit a primary school in Iran, saying the incident would be thoroughly investigated. He said the US military had made extensive efforts to avoid civilian casualties during its operations.
At the same time, Hegseth acknowledged that many Americans had voted against becoming entangled in prolonged military conflicts in the Middle East, but said the ultimate timeline for the war would be determined by President Trump.
Gen. Dan Caine said US forces have recently carried out a series of strikes against Iranian missile infrastructure, including attacks using dozens of 2,000-pound bunker-penetrating bombs designed to destroy underground facilities.
Caine also said the Pentagon is evaluating possible measures to secure shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for global oil exports that has been largely closed due to the conflict.
Military planners are currently considering several options, including the potential escort of commercial vessels through the strategic waterway, he said.
