U.S. War Secretary Says Iran Campaign Is “Only Just the Beginning” as Strikes Continue
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Sunday that the campaign against Iran is “only just the beginning.” More than 50,000 U.S. troops are engaged in “Operation Epic Fury,” with over 3,000 targets struck. Six U.S. Army reservists have been killed, with one more death announced Sunday. Iranian casualties reported by human rights groups exceed 1,600, including 168 civilians at a school under attack. Hegseth confirmed continued missile and drone threats from Iran to Gulf allies and said U.S. forces are securing maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that the operation focuses on neutralizing Iranian military and nuclear capabilities, is not a conventional regime-change effort, and that civilian targeting has not occurred. Hegseth underscored that operational efforts are ongoing.
