U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that Operation Epic Fury is not a short campaign and emphasized that American ground troops will not be involved at this time. The objective includes destroying Iranian offensive missiles, missile production, navy, and security infrastructure to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Air Force General Dan Caine clarified that this military operation will not be a swift endeavor.
Hegseth refrained from providing a specific timeline for the operation, emphasizing that the commander-in-chief determines the pace of the fight. He highlighted the necessity of the mission to counter Iran’s military capabilities, particularly its ballistic missiles, drones, and naval forces. The campaign aims to degrade Iran’s ability to project force and deter its nuclear ambitions.
The Secretary dismissed the idea of publicly disclosing operational limits, stressing the importance of maintaining secrecy to achieve the objective effectively. He underscored the significance of preventing radical Islamists from possessing nuclear weapons and emphasized the failure of prior diplomatic efforts. Caine mentioned that battle damage assessments are ongoing alongside continued strikes, indicating a thorough evaluation process.
Officials reiterated the focus on weakening Iran’s military strength and preventing it from using conventional means to support its nuclear aspirations. Hegseth differentiated this campaign from past conflicts in the region, emphasizing that it is not comparable to prolonged engagements like the Iraq war. The operation aims for a limited but decisive military outcome without the need for prolonged troop presence.
