Pete Hegseth at the press conference
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed on Wednesday that US and Israeli forces are moving quickly to take control of Iranian airspace, while acknowledging that some incoming drones and missiles could still evade interception.Hegseth told reporters at the Pentagon: “Starting last night, and to be completed within a few days… the two most powerful air forces in the world.” [US, Israel] “You will have complete control over Iranian airspace.”
“Iran’s war is illegal, and hell awaits Europe”: NATO is widely divided; Macron and Carney attack Trump
“This does not mean that we can stop everything,” he added, adding that maximum protection had been provided to the force before offensive operations began.The Defense Secretary reiterated their claims that Iran wanted to “kill” Trump, and added: “We have known for a long time that Iran had intentions to try to kill President Trump… while
That was by no means the focus of the effort. “In fact, the president never raised the issue…I made sure that those responsible eventually became part of the hit list.”Hegseth indicated that the conflict may last longer than initially expected, saying it could last eight weeks, although he refused to commit to a specific timetable. “You can say four weeks, but it could be six, eight, or three,” he added, adding that the United States would determine the “pace and rhythm” of operations.
He added that additional American forces, including fighter jets and bombers, continue to deploy in the regionHis statements came at a time when US officials warned of the possibility of more American casualties in the conflict, which appears to continue for weeks. President Donald Trump has indicated that the campaign could last a month or more, while defense leaders have indicated that the timeline will depend on developments on the battlefield.Gen. Dan Keane, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said American personnel in the region remain at risk.Six American soldiers were killed Sunday when an Iranian drone struck an operations center at a civilian port facility in Kuwait, several miles from a major U.S. base. A family member of one of the victims said the site was a temporary container-shaped structure without dedicated defensive protection.Hegseth said additional US aircraft, including fighters and bombers, continue to deploy to the region as part of a broader build-up.
He indicated that the conflict could extend to six or eight weeks, but he refused to specify a specific time frame, saying that the duration would depend on how events develop.Tehran has threatened to target military and economic infrastructure across the Middle East, suggesting that the confrontation may expand further.Hegseth also pointed to previous intelligence about alleged Iranian threats against Trump, saying that individuals linked to those plots were ultimately included in targeting considerations, though he noted that the issue was not central to the current campaign.
