'Devastating and Decisive': Hegseth outlines military campaign against Iran, doubles down on Israel partnership

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth briefed reporters today on the ongoing military campaign in Iran, describing Operation Epic Fury as having a “clear, devastating, decisive mission: destroy the missile threat, destroy the navy, no nukes.”

“Israel has clear missions as well,” he noted, “for which we are grateful.” Praising Israel’s conduct in the operation that eliminated Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Hegseth called the country a “capable partner” — “unlike so many of our traditional partners.”

Addressing concerns of a lengthy war, he said: “You don't have to roll 200,000 people in there and stay for 20 years. We've proven that you can achieve objectives that advance American interests without being foolish.” Hegseth closed by expressing prayers for U.S. service members to have "the Biblical wisdom to see what is right and the courage to do it.”