Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine hold briefing on the U.S.-Iran war — 3/31/2026

Summary

• U.S. military leaders report high troop morale, urgency, and lethality in Operation Epic Fury, contrasting it with the indefinite rotations of past wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• The operation has degraded Iranian capabilities: over 11,000 targets struck in 30 days, including ballistic missile/UAS programs, naval assets (over 150 ships, all Jamaran-class frigates), and defense industrial base facilities.
• Tactical shift noted toward dynamic targeting (200 such strikes in one night), enabled by air superiority allowing B-52 overland missions and real-time intelligence.
• Stated U.S. military objectives are clear: destroy Iran's ability to project power (missiles, navy, defense industrial base) and ensure it cannot obtain a nuclear weapon.
• Negotiations with Iran are described as "very real," "ongoing," and "active," with a preference for a diplomatic deal, but military pressure continues to compel an agreement.
• The U.S. calls on allies, specifically mentioning the UK's Royal Navy, to contribute more to securing the Strait of Hormuz, framing it as an international problem.
• The American defense industrial base is praised as more vibrant than since WWII, a contrast to Iran's "nearly completely destroyed" defense industrial base.
• Leadership refuses to publicly foreclose any military option, including boots on the ground, to maintain strategic unpredictability and pressure on Iran.
• Civilian risk mitigation is stated as a standard part of military targeting processes, but no details are given on striking infrastructure like electricity plants.