WASHINGTON, March 19 - U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters on Thursday that the United States has kept the same objectives in its campaign against Iran that it set when strikes began on February 28.
In a briefing citing Pentagon assessments, Hegseth said U.S. forces have conducted strikes against some 7,000 targets inside Iran to date, and have struck more than 40 mine-laying vessels and 11 submarines. He stressed that the mission's goals have not shifted since day one.
Hegseth said: "Our objectives, given directly from our America-first president, remain exactly what they were on day one." He added: "These are not the medias objectives, not Irans objectives, not new objectives. Our objectives - unchanged, on target and on plan." The defense secretary spent several minutes at the start of the briefing criticizing the press.
During the same session Hegseth outlined the U.S. objectives, saying they remain focused on destroying Irans missile launchers, degrading the country's defense industrial base and navy, and ensuring that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.
Also speaking at the briefing, General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the U.S. military remains on track to meet those objectives and that operations were moving deeper into Iranian territory each day.
The officials did not provide additional new targets or timelines in the briefing beyond the figures and aims already stated. They emphasized that the stated objectives are the guiding framework for ongoing operations.
Context and implications
Defense officials presented the numbers and goals as a consistent plan, describing a campaign that has targeted a broad range of military capabilities inside Iran, including naval assets and infrastructure supporting missile systems. The comments underline a strategic focus on disabling Irans ability to project maritime threat and sustain certain defense capabilities.
What officials said
- Hegseth affirmed that U.S. objectives have not changed since February 28.
- Pentagon figures cited included roughly 7,000 targets struck, more than 40 mine-laying vessels and 11 submarines hit.
- General Dan Caine said U.S. forces are striking deeper into Iranian territory every day and remain on track to achieve the declared objectives.
Further operational details, including specific target lists and future timelines, were not disclosed in the briefing. The officials emphasized the continuity of objectives as the basis for ongoing military actions.