US mission in Iran is to destroy missiles, navy and deny Tehran nuclear weapons, Pentagon chief says

The United States’ mission in Iran is to destroy Tehran’s offensive missile capabilities, dismantle its naval forces and prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons, the Pentagon chief said in a forceful address outlining the objectives of “Operation Epic Fury.”

Speaking two days after the launch of the operation, the defense secretary said the campaign was carried out under the direct orders of U.S. President Donald Trump and described it as “the most lethal, most complex and most precise aerial operation in history.”

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“Our mission is laser-focused,” the secretary said. “Destroy Iranian offensive missiles, destroy Iranian missile production, destroy their navy and ensure they will never have nuclear weapons.”

Air Campaign Underway

According to the Pentagon, U.S. Central Command began the operation in the early hours of Saturday following presidential authorization. The campaign involves long-range bombers, fighter aircraft, drones and missile systems targeting what officials describe as Iran’s missile infrastructure, naval assets and security facilities.

The Pentagon chief accused Tehran of waging a decades-long proxy conflict against the United States, citing attacks on American forces and interests in the Middle East. He said the operation is intended as a decisive response to what he called years of Iranian-backed violence.

“This is not a regime change war,” he said. “This is a clear, devastating and decisive mission.”

Nuclear Red Line

A central justification for the operation, US officials have said, is preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The defense secretary argued that Iran’s missile and drone programs were designed to shield what he described as nuclear ambitions.

“Crazy regimes like Iran, hell-bent on extremist ideology, cannot have nuclear weapons,” he said, adding that diplomatic efforts had been pursued but ultimately failed.

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He also criticized previous U.S. policy toward Tehran, referencing the 2015 nuclear agreement negotiated under former President Barack Obama, which the current administration has long opposed.

Casualties Reported

The Pentagon confirmed that four U.S. service members have been killed since the start of the operation, with additional personnel wounded. Officials offered condolences to the families and described the fallen as heroes.

Military leaders emphasized that the campaign would not involve large-scale ground deployments or prolonged nation-building efforts, distancing the operation from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Regional Implications

The defense secretary said the United States was coordinating closely with Israel, describing it as a “capable partner” with its own defined military objectives. He also warned Iran against targeting U.S. forces or allies, stating that any such actions would be met with overwhelming force.

Senior military commanders are expected to continue providing operational updates as the campaign progresses.

The situation remains fluid, with international reaction and potential regional escalation closely watched.