During a press conference at the Pentagon, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran as the "most precise air operation in history," aimed at eliminating critical Iranian leadership. Hegseth asserted that the ongoing attacks are designed with a clear objective and are not intended to initiate a prolonged conflict, emphasizing a strategic approach to reduce Iran's military capabilities without escalating to a wider war.

He outlined the specific goals behind the military operation, known as "Epic Fury," noting that the U.S. military's decision-making involved careful considerations to ensure the effectiveness of their actions while limiting the risk of civilian casualties and international backlash. He also addressed the challenges faced by journalists in accessing information within Iran during the military operations, which complicated media reporting on the conflict's progress and implications.

Furthermore, Hegseth dismissed comparisons between the current situation in Iran and historical conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, indicating that the U.S. aims to avoid the pitfalls of those conflicts by maintaining a targeted focus on key Iranian threats. The Iranian authorities, meanwhile, held a firm stance during negotiations with the U.S. prior to the onset of the military action, indicating a complex geopolitical landscape that underscores the current tensions in the region.