The US Secretary of Defense reiterated three targets in the attacks on Iran, confirming that President Donald Trump will be the one to decide when the war ends.
On 10 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Pete Hegseth, US Secretary of Defense, and General Dan Ken, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, held a joint press conference at the Pentagon to provide updates on the war in Iran, which has entered its second week.
Hegseth stated that the objectives of Operation "Epic Fury" remain unchanged: 1. Destroy Iran’s missile stockpiles, missile launch bases, and defense industry facilities; 2. Destroy Iran’s naval forces; and 3. Permanently prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Hegseth emphasized that they are "relentlessly crushing the enemy." "We operate on our own schedule and according to our own choices," he said.
"Today will mark another day of the most intense strikes inside Iran, with the highest number of fighter jets, bombers, and attack sorties. Our intelligence is more detailed and accurate than ever before," he added.
Hegseth also warned Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, to "heed President Donald Trump’s warnings" and "not attempt to acquire nuclear weapons," while cautioning Russia not to intervene in this conflict.
Regarding the attack on the all-girls primary school in Minab, Iran, which resulted in over 165 deaths, Hegseth confirmed that a "thorough investigation" will be conducted, adding that the US has "made every effort to avoid civilian casualties."
The US Secretary of Defense further stated that Americans have decided they do not want the US to become embroiled in a seemingly endless military conflict in the Middle East. However, he said that the end of the current war with Iran depends on President Trump’s decision.
General Ken revealed that recently the US military dropped multiple 2,000-pound bunker-buster bombs on Iranian underground missile launch bases.
General Ken also claimed that Iran’s ballistic missile attacks have steadily declined by more than 90% since Tehran began its assaults, and suicide drone attacks have dropped by 83% since Operation Epic Fury started on 28 Feb.
General Ken added that the US military has successfully destroyed more than 50 Iranian warships since the war began and is targeting "Iran’s military industry groups," focusing on "key strategic points" to prevent Iran from producing more suicide attack drones.
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Source:CNN