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US "Winning Decisively" in Iran War, Defence Secretary Rejects "Forever War" Fears

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the United States remains "on plan" in its war against Iran but declined to set a definitive end date. He forcefully rejected media characterizations of the conflict as a potential "forever war" or quagmire, asserting Operation Epic Fury is fundamentally different from past wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hegseth emphasized the mission's objectives, set by President Trump, have remained unchanged since day one and focus on crippling Iran's military and nuclear capabilities. The Defence Secretary concluded by stating the US is "winning decisively and on our terms."

Key Points: US Defence Secretary: "On Plan" and Winning Iran War Decisively

  • US "on plan" in Iran war
  • No definitive timeline for conflict end
  • Operation Epic Fury called "laser-focused and decisive"
  • Objectives unchanged: destroy military infrastructure, prevent nuclear Iran
2 min read

"We're on plan, winning decisively and on our terms": US Defence Secretary on Iran war; rejects suggestions of 'forever war'

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth asserts Operation Epic Fury is "laser-focused" and winning, rejecting media narratives of a "forever war" against Iran.

"We're winning decisively and on our terms. - Pete Hegseth"

Washington DC, March 19

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday said the United States remains "on plan" in its war against Iran but declined to provide a definitive timeline for when the conflict would end, stressing that the final decision would rest with President Donald Trump.

"We wouldn't want to set a definitive time frame on" the war's end, Hegseth said at a Pentagon briefing, adding that the ultimate outcome and timeline would be determined by President Trump.

"As we've said, we're on plan," he noted.

Hegseth said that Operation Epic Fury is laser-focused and decisive.

"The media here, not all of it, but much of it, wants you to think, just 19 days into this conflict, that we're somehow spinning toward an endless abyss or a forever war or a quagmire. Nothing could be further from the truth," Hegseth said.

"Hear it from me, one of hundreds of thousands who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, who watched previous foolish politicians like Bush, Obama and Biden squander American credibility. This is not those wars. President Trump knows better. Epic Fury is different. It's laser-focused, it's decisive," he added.

Hegseth added that the mission objectives have remained unchanged since the first day of the war.

"Our objectives, given directly from our America First President, remain exactly what they were on day one. These are not the media's objectives, not Iran's objectives, not new objectives, our objectives, unchanged, on target and on plan. Destroy missiles, launchers and Iran's defence industrial base so they cannot rebuild, destroy their navy and Iran never gets a nuclear weapon. Our objectives from day one, " he said.

"To the patriotic members of the press, nobody can deliver perfection in wartime. This building knows that more than anyone. But report the reality. We're winning decisively and on our terms," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
"Winning decisively on our terms" sounds exactly like what they said about Iraq and Afghanistan. The cycle repeats. As an Indian watching from afar, I hope our government's diplomacy ensures this doesn't spill over and affect regional security for us.
R
Rohit P
The objective to stop Iran from getting a nuke is crucial for world peace, I agree. But the 'no timeline' part is worrying. Forever wars drain economies and cost lives. India has vital interests in the Gulf – stability is key for our energy security and diaspora.
S
Sarah B
Living in Mumbai, the tension is palpable. So many Indian ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Any escalation there is a direct threat to our trade. The US must coordinate with allies like India, not just go it alone.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, this "on plan" rhetoric lacks transparency. The Indian public, and the world, deserve a clearer picture. What is the plan for humanitarian fallout? For the global economy? Vague assurances from the Pentagon are not enough. We've seen this movie before.
K
Karthik V
The focus should be on de-escalation and dialogue. India has historically had good relations with both the US and Iran. Maybe it's time for Indian diplomacy to play a bigger role as a neutral party to help find a peaceful way out. Jai Hind!

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