He remarked that it was "absurd" to anticipate U.S. officials to publicly declare, "this is precisely how far we will proceed."
When asked about the presence of troops in Iran, Hegseth responded, "No, but we won't engage in speculation about what actions we may or may not take."
U.S. Military Strategy Explained
"There are no foolish engagement rules, no entanglements in nation building, no efforts to impose democracy, and no wars driven by political correctness. Our goal is victory, and we don't squander time or lives," stated Hegseth.
Pete Hegseth stated that the mission was characterized by a "clear, impactful, and definitive objective" to "eliminate the missile threat" posed by Iran, dismantle its naval capabilities, and ensure "no nuclear weapons."
Pete Hegseth, together with Air Force General Dan Caine, who serves as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, conducted the first news briefing of the Trump administration since the strikes on Saturday. Although President Donald Trump has participated in a few phone interviews with select reporters, he has not addressed questions on camera and has only shared two videos since the operation commenced.
Engagement Rules Overview
WASHINGTON (AP) — On Monday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed growing worries that the U.S.-Israeli operations in Iran might escalate into a prolonged regional conflict, stating, “This is not Iraq. This will not be endless.”
He also indicated that the U.S. was not aiming to alter the Iranian government with the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
"This isn’t merely a so-called regime change conflict, yet the regime certainly transformed, and the world is undoubtedly better for it," stated Hegseth.
Mission Objectives in Iran
The briefing arrives as the conflict has escalated into a broader war across the region. Iran and its allied militant groups have targeted Israel, Arab nations, and U.S. military installations in the Middle East with missile strikes.
Four American soldiers have lost their lives in combat. On Sunday, Trump forecasted that there would be additional U.S. fatalities.
Caine stated on Monday that the U.S. anticipated further losses.
Eliminating Missile Threats
"We share in your sorrow, and you will always be remembered," he expressed regarding the relatives of those who lost their lives.
The most recent indication of the intensifying turmoil occurred when Kuwait, a U.S. ally, “accidentally shot down” three American fighter jets during a mission while Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones were launching attacks. According to U.S. Central Command, all six pilots successfully ejected from the American F-15E Strike Eagles and are reported to be in stable condition.
U.S. officials have yet to present any strategy for withdrawal or indicate that the conflict will conclude in the near future, while Khamenei expressed skepticism about the future of the Islamic Republic, plunging the region into greater instability.
While making a case for the strikes, Hegseth emphasized that the Iranian regime initiated the conflict from the very beginning, asserting that for 47 years it has "conducted a brutal, one-sided war against America."
"Their assault on Americans has turned into our vengeance against their Ayatollah and his cult of death," he stated.
He did not indicate any concern regarding an immediate nuclear threat from Iran, reiterating that last summer’s attacks by the U.S. and Israel had “reduced their nuclear program to ashes.”
Rather, Hegseth highlighted dangers posed by alternative weaponry, including ballistic missiles and drones, which warranted the operation.
The press briefing took place just hours before Secretary of State Marco Rubio was scheduled to update congressional leaders on Monday.
On Tuesday, Rubio, Hegseth, Caine, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe were scheduled to provide a briefing to the entire Congress membership.
During a confidential meeting on Sunday, officials from the Trump administration informed congressional staff that U.S. intelligence did not indicate Iran was getting ready to execute a preemptive attack against the U.S., according to three individuals who were privy to the discussions.
According to two sources, administration officials acknowledged a broader threat in the region stemming from Iran’s missiles and its proxy forces. However, a third source indicated that the administration underscored the fact that these missiles and proxy forces from Iran represented an immediate danger to U.S. personnel and allies in the area.
The details shared with the congressional staff differ from Trump’s statement, in which he claimed that the mission’s goal was to eradicate "imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime."
Officials from the senior ranks of the Trump administration, who, like others, were not permitted to speak publicly and requested anonymity, informed reporters on Saturday that there were signs suggesting the Iranians might initiate a preemptive strike.
Writers from the Associated Press, including Meg Kinnard in Charleston, S.C., Bill Barrow in Atlanta, David Klepper and Ben Finley in Washington, along with Farnoush Amiri in New York, contributed to this article.
