Hegseth insists US-Israel strikes on Iran are 'not Iraq, not endless'

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cast the U.S.-Israel assault on Iran as a finite mission to shatter missile threats, cripple naval power, and block nuclear ambitions after years of escalating dangers. At the Pentagon, Gen. Dan Caine said the campaign will take time and warned of losses; a fourth U.S. service member died from wounds suffered in Iran’s initial counterattacks. Operation Epic Fury opened with more than 100 aircraft and more than 1,000 targets struck, supported by bombers, carrier aircraft, Tomahawks, and cyber and space actions. Israel flew hundreds of sorties. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death was confirmed as operations continue.