US Defense officials say "Epic Fury" Operation against Iran has clear, limited goals

WASHGINTON, March 2 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Monday that the ongoing US military operation against Iran has precisely defined objectives and is not open-ended.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan King at the Pentagon, the first since President Donald Trump announced the launch of the "Epic Fury" operation, the Defense Secretary said the mission aims to "destroy Iran's offensive missile capabilities, weaken its naval fleet, and prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons." Hegseth emphasized, "We set the terms of this war from start to finish. Our ambitions are realistic and aligned with our interests and the defense of our people and allies." He added that the campaign is being executed "with precision but overwhelming force," noting that the United States is "continuously working to degrade Iran's capabilities." The Defense Secretary acknowledged the possibility of additional US casualties, referencing CENTCOM's earlier report of a fourth American soldier killed in combat operations, and stressed that the military action will continue "until its objectives are achieved." General King said the "Epic Fury" operation is being conducted under CENTCOM command and emphasized that it "will not be a one-night operation." (end) rsr.aa