He remarked that it was "absurd" to anticipate U.S. officials to publicly declare, "this is precisely how far we'll proceed."
When asked about the presence of troops in Iran, Hegseth responded, "No, but we won't engage in speculation about our future actions."
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 to achieve victory, and we don't squander time or lives," stated Hegseth.
Pete Hegseth stated that the operation was designed with 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 is 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 answered questions on camera and has only shared two videos since the operation commenced.
Response to Iran’s Threats
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 through the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
"This isn’t merely a regime change conflict, yet the regime certainly transformed, and the world is undoubtedly better for it," stated Hegseth.
Focus on Clear Objectives
The briefing arrives as the conflict has escalated into a broader war across the region. Iran and its allied military factions 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.
Avoiding Political Engagements
"We share in your sorrow, and you will always be in our memories," he expressed regarding the relatives of those who lost their lives.
The most recent indication of the growing turmoil occurred when Kuwait, a U.S. ally, “accidentally shot down” three American fighter jets during a military operation 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 has expressed skepticism about the future of the Islamic Republic, pushing the region towards 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 revenge 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 the strikes carried out by the U.S. and Israel last summer had “reduced their nuclear program to ashes.”
Rather, Hegseth highlighted dangers posed by various types of weaponry, including ballistic missiles and drones, which warranted the operation.
The press briefing took place just hours prior to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s scheduled update for 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 that 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 recognized a broader threat in the area stemming from Iran’s missiles and its proxy forces. However, a third individual noted that the administration stressed the immediate danger posed by these missiles and proxy forces to U.S. personnel and allies in the region.
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.