US objectives in Iran have not changed, Hegseth says

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Thursday that the goals of the United States in the conflict with Iran have not changed since the beginning of airstrikes on February 28. The Pentagon reported that the U.S. has targeted 7,000 sites within Iran, including over 40 vessels used for laying mines and 11 submarines. Hegseth emphasized to reporters, “Our goals, set by our America-first president, remain the same as they were on day one.” He added, “These are not the goals of the media, not those of Iran, nor are they new goals. Our objectives are unchanged, precise, and on schedule.” He also took time in his opening remarks to criticize the press. Hegseth reiterated that the mission includes the destruction of Iran’s missile launchers, its defense industry, and navy, with the aim of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. During the same briefing, General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, mentioned that the U.S. military is still on course to meet these goals and is expanding its strikes deeper into Iranian territory each day.