No timeframe for ending US war against Iran, says Pete Hegseth
No timeframe for ending US war against Iran, says Pete Hegseth
On Thursday, Pete Hegseth, the US defense secretary, confirmed there is no set duration for the ongoing conflict with Iran, while acknowledging potential requests for additional funding. The US-Israeli military operation, which began three weeks prior, has expanded its reach and intensity. Reports suggest the Pentagon might seek over $200 billion in further taxpayer support, a figure Hegseth did not dispute.
Donald Trump, in a separate statement, warned of a massive strike on the world’s largest gasfield after Israeli actions against an Iranian facility led to increased attacks on Gulf oil and gas infrastructure. Hegseth, addressing reporters at the Pentagon, hinted that Thursday would mark a significant escalation. “Over 7,000 targets have been hit across Iran and its military systems,” he stated. “Today’s operation will deliver the most extensive strike package to date, with devastation from above.”
“We wouldn’t want to set a definitive timeframe,” Hegseth added. “The president will decide when to stop, based on what we’ve achieved.”
Despite rising oil prices and a declining approval rating for the president, Hegseth offered no clear plan to withdraw from the conflict. He emphasized that the campaign’s goals—dismantling Iran’s missile capabilities, crippling its defense industry, and preventing nuclear weapon acquisition—remain unchanged. “These objectives were set by our America-first leader and are still fully in effect,” he said, dismissing media concerns about mission creep as fabricated.
General Dan Caine, a senior US military official, supported Hegseth’s stance, noting the operation is progressing as planned. Long-range attacks are now targeting underground storage, drone bases, and coastal missile sites, utilizing bunker-busting munitions. The conflict’s scope has grown, with US forces deploying aircraft and naval units in the Gulf to secure the critical strait of Hormuz.
“A dishonest and anti-Trump press will stop at nothing to downplay progress, amplify costs, and question every step,” Hegseth declared. “TDS is in their DNA. They want President Trump to fail.”
Meanwhile, a recent report highlighted the financial toll of the initial six days, which cost nearly $13 billion. Hegseth explained that the $200 billion figure could adjust, as funding is necessary to combat threats. “We’re returning to Congress to ensure proper financial backing for the actions taken and those yet to come,” he said.
In a final statement, Hegseth called on Americans to pray for troops, invoking a religious tone. “Pray for our forces on bended knee, in your schools, churches, and families, in the name of Jesus Christ,” he urged.
