US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, alongside Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine, emphasized that the military campaign against Iran, named ‘Operation Epic Fury’, is strictly defined with clear objectives to prevent a prolonged war. Hegseth stated that the mission is targeted and not open-ended, aiming to achieve specific military goals without expanding into a broader conflict. He highlighted President Trump’s directive for the operation, emphasizing the avoidance of mission creep and the focus on delivering the set objectives efficiently.
The Defence Secretary reiterated that the operation’s duration is under the President’s control, ensuring a tightly controlled approach to achieving the mission’s goals. The ongoing campaign, now in its tenth day, has seen US forces targeting numerous sites within Iran, focusing on destroying missile and drone capabilities, weakening the Iranian navy, and disrupting its military-industrial infrastructure. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Caine outlined the primary objectives of the military campaign, emphasizing the prevention of attacks on American forces and regional partners.
The US military’s strategy involves preemptive strikes on launch sites, command centers, and weapon stockpiles to safeguard personnel, facilities, and allies from potential threats. Hegseth stressed the difference between this operation and past Middle East conflicts, highlighting the mission’s efficiency, air superiority, and resolute commitment to fulfilling the President’s objectives. He acknowledged public concerns regarding prolonged warfare, underscoring the administration’s focus on averting Iran’s nuclear ambitions and eliminating threats to the US and its allies.
