Secretary of War Pete Hegseth promised America would not rule out the possibility of American boots on the ground in the conflict with Iran.
“We’ll go as far as we need to go to advance American interests,” Hegseth said at a press conference Monday morning . “But we’re not dumb about it. You don’t need to roll 200,000 people in there and stay for 20 years.”
America and Israel launched a missile attack against Iran early Saturday morning named mission Operation Epic Fury. The move came after weeks of failed negotiations, following President Trump’s warning to the Iranian regime to stop the execution of thousands of its people.
At Monday’s press briefing, Hegseth said the mission of Operation Epic Fury is “laser focused.”
“Destroy Iranian offensive missiles. Destroy Iranian missile production, destroy their navy and other security infrastructure, and they will never have nuclear weapons,” he said. “We’re hitting them surgically, overwhelmingly and unapologetically.”
Hegseth said the decisions and advice of his department are made to protect both the American people at home and the American soldiers serving in this mission.
“Having been in their boots, having been in their shoes, having been in their flight suits, I know we think about them with every decision that we make and every recommendation that we make to the President of the United States,” he said.
He confirmed four American service members have lost their lives since the mission launched.
” An effort of this scope will include casualties. War is hell and always will be,” he said. “A grateful nation honors the four Americans we have lost thus far and those injured. …
“The absolute best of America. May we prosecute the remainder of this operation in a manner that honors them, no apologies, no hesitation.”
Hegseth said he prays for the American troops “every day” – for “biblical wisdom to see what is right and the courage to do it.”
“May almighty God watch over you, and His providential arms of protection, extend over you,” he said. “Godspeed, warriors and keep going.”
