New Delhi | Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, Pete Hegseth has taken a strong military stance stating that the joint operations of United States and Israel will continue until strategic objectives are achieved against Iran.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Pentagon on Monday, Hegseth clarified that the primary objective of the campaign is to weaken Iran’s military capability and prevent its nuclear weapons programme.
Hegseth said the United States does not intend to prolong the war indefinitely, but operations will continue until Iran’s missile infrastructure, naval strength and strategic military installations are destroyed. He warned in a stern tone, “This is not Iraq, this is not an endless war. We will set the terms from start to finish.” His statement is being interpreted as a signal of a more aggressive American defence doctrine.
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During the media briefing, Hegseth added that American air power is being used with “maximum authority” and that operational decisions will not be restricted by procedural limitations. He stressed that the campaign does not include any ideological mission of building democratic governance, reflecting a shift from earlier foreign policy approaches.
The Pentagon indicated that long-range strike capabilities of Iran are among the primary targets of the operation. Additional defensive assets and air security platforms have been deployed to prevent potential retaliatory attacks. Military commanders said operations are being intensified in southern airspace, with the primary tactical approach described as “targeting the archer rather than the arrows.”
The conflict situation became more serious after missile and drone exchanges began in the West Asian region. Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting American and Israeli military installations following joint attacks, further escalating regional tensions. Authorities confirmed the death of four American service members so far, though there are fears that casualties could rise if operations continue.
Military leadership acknowledged that risks will remain during the campaign. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that three F-15 fighter jets were reported to have crashed, but clarified that the incident was not caused by enemy fire. The American defence command believes that due to the complexity of battlefield operations, complete elimination of losses cannot be guaranteed.
On Iran’s military capabilities, Hegseth said the country possesses long-range strike missile systems, which are a priority target for neutralisation. He added that the US military is working on a pre-emptive strategy to eliminate possible threats before they are activated, using enhanced intelligence surveillance and faster airstrike coordination.
Meanwhile, Iran has condemned the US-Israel attacks and launched drones and missiles targeting military installations and allied bases across the Gulf region. Security experts warn that if the conflict continues to escalate, it could transform into a prolonged regional war, potentially affecting global energy supplies and financial markets.
International analysts believe the future course of the conflict will depend on military and diplomatic developments over the coming days. Efforts are also underway to reduce tensions through diplomatic channels, but both sides currently maintain a rigid military posture.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
