Iran War Update: Strikes Will Intensify If There's No Deal Hegseth Says (Full Press Conference)
Summary
- Defense Secretary Hegseth provides an operational update from a visit to CENTCOM, describing high troop morale, urgency, and a shift towards dynamic targeting based on real-time intelligence.
- He states the U.S. military campaign, Operation Epic Fury, has damaged Iranian military morale, leading to desertions, personnel shortages, and frustration among senior leaders.
- Hegseth claims "regime change has occurred" in Iran, suggesting the new leadership is more reasonable in ongoing negotiations.
- The primary U.S. goal is a diplomatic deal for Iran to relinquish certain materials and ambitions; the military campaign is intended to compel that outcome. Hegseth states, "We'll negotiate with bombs."
- If no deal is reached, Hegseth warns strikes will continue "with even more intensity." The timeline for achieving military objectives is deliberately undisclosed.
- Joint Chiefs Chairman Cain reports over 11,000 targets struck in 30 days, including ballistic missile capabilities, naval assets (over 150 ships), and defense industrial base facilities like factories and R&D labs.
- Cain highlights the critical role of the U.S. defense industrial base and national workforce in sustaining combat operations, crediting the Trump administration for its rapid rebuilding.
- On the Strait of Hormuz, Hegseth states the U.S. has set conditions for success but implies other nations should contribute more to keeping it open, criticizing allies for insufficient support.
- Hegseth does not rule out any military options, including boots on the ground, to maintain strategic unpredictability and avoid foreclosing the President's options.
- Both officials note a significant decrease in Iranian missile and drone launches, attributing it to successful strikes against launch capabilities and production infrastructure.
