WASHINGTON, D.C. March 2, 2026 – Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Dan Caine held a no-nonsense press briefing at the Pentagon on Monday, delivering updates on the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
The briefing was announced live on X by the official Department of War account (@DeptofWar), which posted a direct link to the Pentagon broadcast. In a departure from past diplomatic language, Hegseth and Caine spoke plainly to the American public, U.S. troops, and adversaries.
Operation Epic Fury, launched February 28 under orders from President Donald Trump, is described as the most lethal, complex, and precise aerial operation in history. In the first 24 hours alone, U.S. and Israeli forces struck more than 1,000 targets using B-2 bombers, fighter jets, drones, Tomahawk missiles, and cyber operations. Objectives are clear and limited:
– Destroy Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal and production facilities
– Eliminate its navy and air defenses
– Prevent the regime from ever acquiring nuclear weapons
No U.S. ground troops are currently in Iran, and officials stressed there will be **no endless nation-building** or “Iraq-style” occupation.
“This is not Iraq. This is not endless,” Hegseth declared. “We didn’t start this war, but under President Trump, we are finishing it.”
He addressed American warfighters directly:
“This is your moment. This is the generational turning point America has waited for since 1979… We face a determined enemy, but you are better. We are not defenders anymore. We are warriors trained to kill the enemy and break their will.”
Hegseth also sent a blunt warning to Iran and its proxies:
“If you kill Americans… we will hunt you down without apology and without hesitation, and we will kill you.”
Gen. Caine confirmed air superiority has been achieved in key areas and that reinforcements have been deployed. He noted the operation is now in its third day and will take time to complete all objectives.
Casualties
Four U.S. service members have been killed so far, with additional losses expected. Both leaders offered condolences to the families of the fallen.
The briefing has drawn widespread praise on social media for its direct tone and clear messaging after years of what many called “diplomatic double-speak.”
Life News Agency will continue monitoring developments as Operation Epic Fury progresses. Official updates will be provided through the Department of War and the White House.
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