Pentagon US Iran
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine speak during a press briefing at the Pentagon, Monday, March 2, 2026, in Washington.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is speaking to widening concerns the U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran could spiral into a protracted regional conflict by declaring, “This is not Iraq. This is not endless.” Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Air Force Gen. Dan Caine on Monday held the Trump administration’s first news briefing since Saturday’s strikes. Hegseth says the operation has a clear mission to eliminate the threat of Iranian ballistic missiles, destroy the country’s navy and ensure “no nukes.” The briefing comes as the conflict has intensified into a wider war in the region. Iran and allied armed groups have launched missiles at Israel, Arab states and U.S. military targets in the Middle East.
