[LIVE] PETE HEGSETH ON US MILITARY OPERATION IN IRAN

Operation Epic Fury: A Detailed Account of US Military Action Against Iran

Key Concepts:

• Operation Epic Fury: The US-led military operation targeting Iran, initiated under the direction of President Donald Trump.
• IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps): A branch of the Iranian Armed Forces responsible for protecting the Islamic Republic’s political ideology.
• Kuds Force: The external operations force of the IRGC, responsible for extraterritorial operations.
• SentCom (US Central Command): A unified combatant command of the US Department of Defense responsible for the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia.
• AO (Area of Operations): The geographical area assigned to a military command for planning and execution of operations.
• Nuclear Blackmail: The threat of nuclear weapon use to coerce another nation.
• Epic Fury: The name given to the US military operation against Iran.

I. Escalation and Initial Casualties

The situation in the Middle East is rapidly deteriorating, marked by a widening crisis and escalating military action against Iran. A fourth US soldier has died due to injuries sustained in a retaliatory attack by Iran, bringing the total US military deaths to four. Civilian casualties are also increasing in Iran and other Gulf countries. This conflict is significantly disrupting global energy markets. Benchmark gas prices in Europe have risen by over 45%, while Brent and WTI crude oil are trading at $79 and $72 per barrel respectively. Key energy facilities, including Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura refinery (550,000 barrels per day capacity), Chevron’s gas field in Israel, and the Ras Lafian complex in Qatar (the world’s largest LNG plant), have been temporarily shut down. Production in Iraqi Kurdistan has also halted.

II. Trump Administration’s Justification and Operation Launch

President Donald Trump, in a recorded message, expressed gratitude and condolences to the families of fallen service members, acknowledging that further casualties are anticipated. The Trump administration launched “Operation Epic Fury” two days prior, described by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth as “the most lethal, most complex, and most precise aerial operation in history.” Hegseth asserts that Iran has waged a “savage one-sided war” against America for 47 years, citing incidents like the Beirut car bombings, attacks on US ships, embassy murders, and roadside bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan, attributing these to Iranian support through the IRGC and Kuds Force. He emphasized that this operation is not about regime change, but rather retribution for Iranian aggression.

III. Operational Details and Objectives

General Dan Kane, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, provided operational details, stating that Operation Epic Fury commenced on February 28th at 01:15 EST (09:45 local Iranian time). The operation’s objectives are clearly defined:

• Destroy Iranian offensive missiles.
• Destroy Iranian missile production facilities.
• Destroy the Iranian navy and other security infrastructure.
• Prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Hegseth highlighted the strategic shift under President Trump, emphasizing a commitment to decisive action and a rejection of “nation-building wars.” He stated, “If you kill Americans, if you threaten Americans anywhere on earth, we will hunt you down without apology and without hesitation, and we will kill you.” The administration believes Iran was developing a “conventional shield” for its nuclear ambitions, and that previous attempts at diplomacy under the Obama administration were merely stalling tactics.

IV. Diplomatic Efforts and Failed Negotiations

Hegseth asserted that the Trump administration exhausted all diplomatic avenues, citing efforts by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Wickoff. He claimed Iran was not genuinely negotiating but rather attempting to “reload their missile stockpiles and restart their nuclear ambitions.” Operation Midnight Hammer, conducted last June, reportedly obliterated Iran’s nuclear program, but Iran subsequently attempted to rebuild it, prompting the current military action.

V. Tactical Approach and Rules of Engagement

The US military is employing a “laser-focused,” “surgical,” “overwhelming,” and “unapologetic” approach. Hegseth emphasized the absence of “stupid rules of engagement” and a rejection of “nation-building quagmires.” The operation utilizes a range of assets, including B2 bombers, fighter jets, drones, missiles, and “classified effects.” He acknowledged the potential for casualties, stating, “War is hell and always will be.”

VI. Call to the Iranian People and Regional Partners

The Trump administration is appealing to the Iranian people to seize the “incredible opportunity” to overthrow the current regime. Hegseth stated, “To Iran, Iranian security forces. Choose wisely.” He also expressed gratitude for the support of Israel, describing them as “capable partners.” He criticized traditional allies for their hesitation and “hemming and hawing” about the use of force.

VII. US Central Command Updates and Force Integration

General Kane highlighted the contributions of various US military commands, including US Army Central Command (counter-missile/drone defense), US Navy Central Command (naval power projection), and US Air Force Central Command (air strikes). He also acknowledged the support from US Space Command. He expressed condolences for the fallen service members and praised the dedication of the joint force.

VIII. Media Response and Justification of Timing

Kate Fischer, reporting for CNA from Washington DC, described Hegseth’s speech as a clear message emphasizing a new generation of leadership and a decisive approach to Iran. While Hegseth did not provide a specific reason for the timing of the strikes, Fischer noted that the administration believes it was time to end what they consider a “terrorist regime” pursuing nuclear weapons. She also reported intelligence suggesting that key Iranian leaders were meeting at a specific compound on the day of the initial strike, influencing the timing.

IX. Notable Quotes:

• Pete Hegseth: “If you kill Americans, if you threaten Americans anywhere on earth, we will hunt you down without apology and without hesitation, and we will kill you.”
• Pete Hegseth: “This is not Iraq. This is not endless.”
• Pete Hegseth: “Our generation knows better and so does this president.”
• Pete Hegseth: “History doesn't care if we're tired, if we're scared, or if the fight feels big. It demands warriors who rise anyway.”

X. Synthesis and Conclusion

Operation Epic Fury represents a significant escalation in US-Iran tensions, driven by the Trump administration’s determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to retaliate for decades of perceived aggression. The operation is characterized by a decisive, overwhelming, and unapologetic approach, with clearly defined objectives focused on dismantling Iran’s military capabilities. The administration is attempting to justify the action as a necessary response to Iranian belligerence and a rejection of failed diplomatic efforts. The long-term consequences of this operation remain uncertain, but it signals a fundamental shift in US policy towards Iran and a willingness to employ military force to achieve its objectives. The administration is attempting to frame this as a limited, decisive operation, distinct from the prolonged conflicts of the past, but the potential for escalation and wider regional instability remains a significant concern.