US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks, as the Iranians hit the US Boeing KC‑135 Stratotanker
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Says Military Strikes Are Crippling Iran’s Capabilities.
United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has said the U.S. military is intensifying operations against Iran, targeting missile stockpiles, production facilities, and defense infrastructure in a campaign aimed at dismantling the country’s military capabilities. Addressing the nation and members of the media, Hegseth said U.S. forces are systematically destroying Iran’s missile arsenal and preventing the country from rebuilding its weapons capacity. “We’re shooting down and destroying what missiles they still have in stock, but more importantly, ensuring that they cannot make more. Their production lines, their military plants, and their defense innovation centers are being defeated,” he said.
Iranian Leadership Under Pressure
Hegseth claimed that Iran’s leadership is in a weakened position, alleging that top officials have gone underground amid the ongoing military pressure. He specifically referenced Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, saying a recent statement attributed to him was issued only in written form without a video or audio appearance. “Iran has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders. Yet the statement was written. There was no voice and no video,” he said. The defense secretary suggested the absence of a public appearance indicated that Iran’s leadership is under severe strain.
Criticism of Media Coverage
Hegseth also criticized the way some media organizations are reporting on the conflict, accusing them of presenting headlines that fail to reflect what he described as Iran’s deteriorating military position. He singled out CNN for what he called misleading reports about the conflict and its potential impact on shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. “For decades, Iran has threatened shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. This is what they do. It is not something we failed to consider,” he said.
Trump ‘Holds the Cards’
Hegseth emphasized that the direction of the conflict is being determined by U.S. President Donald Trump. According to him, the president is controlling the pace and timing of the campaign. “President Trump holds the cards. He will determine the pace, the tempo, and the timing of this conflict, his hand firmly on the wheel and on the throttle,” Hegseth said. He said the United States is operating under the doctrine of “peace through strength” as it continues military operations.
Expanding Military Operations
Hegseth revealed that the U.S. military was preparing for what he described as the largest volume of strikes yet over Iran, including operations targeting the capital, Tehran. He said the campaign involves advanced technologies and capabilities across multiple domains. “Every tool of AI, cyber, space, electronic warfare, and counter-drone operations is being employed—blinding, confusing, and deceiving our enemy,” he stated. According to the defense secretary, the mission’s objectives are clear: destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, dismantle its defense industrial base, neutralize naval threats, and prevent the country from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Tribute to Fallen Service Members
During the briefing, Hegseth also addressed the tragic crash of a Boeing KC‑135 Stratotanker, which resulted in the deaths of American service members. He described the fallen troops as heroes and said their sacrifice would strengthen the resolve of the United States military. “War is hell, war is chaos, and sometimes bad things happen. But their sacrifice will only strengthen our resolve to complete this mission,” he said. Hegseth concluded by calling on Americans to continue praying for U.S. troops deployed overseas as the military campaign continues.
