Did Israel force Washington's hand in decision to attack Iran? CIA's Director has an answer

John Ratcliffe, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), said on Thursday that Israel did not force United States into its decision to attack Iran, pushing back against suggestions that Washington’s military action was driven by Israeli pressure.

"Israel did not force Washington's hand in decision to attack Iran," Ratcliffe was quoted as saying by Reuters.

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The remarks come even as the US signalled a sharp escalation in its ongoing campaign against Iran, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth declaring that “today again will be [the] largest strike package on Iran,” underscoring the intensity and scale of operations as the conflict deepens.

Addressing reporters, Hegseth said Washington’s objectives remain unchanged since the start of hostilities on February 28, insisting they are “on target and on plan.” “We will finish this,” he said, adding that the war would end “on our terms,” with the central aim that Iran “cannot have nuclear weapons.”

US' objectives against Iran remain same, says Hegseth

“Our objectives, given directly from our America-first president, remain exactly what they were on day one,” he said, reiterating that US forces are focused on dismantling Iran’s missile capabilities and broader military infrastructure.

Hegseth outlined a sweeping set of targets, saying the US aims to “destroy Iran’s missile launchers, its defense industrial base and navy,” while ensuring Tehran is never able to acquire a nuclear weapon.

In one of the most striking claims of the briefing, he said Iran’s naval capabilities had been effectively neutralised. “Their surface fleet is no longer a factor,” he said, adding that Iranian submarines — “they once had 11 — are gone.”

The submarines he referred to are small “midget” vessels designed for operations in shallow waters such as the Persian Gulf and the narrow Strait of Hormuz, where they are used to evade sonar while laying mines or launching torpedoes.

Hegseth also hinted at sustained targeting of Iran’s military leadership, remarking that “senior leader for IRGC is a temp job,” suggesting top commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are being systematically eliminated.

Also read: US readies 'largest strike package' on Iran, says Hegseth; vows 'war will end on our terms'

'Do not stop until the job is done'

Opening the Pentagon briefing on a somber note, Hegseth said he had spoken to families of US service members killed in the Iran war, describing their resolve as “unbreakable” and their message as clear: “Do not waver. Do not stop until the job is done.”

“My response, along with that of the president, was simple: Of course we will finish this. We will honour their sacrifice,” he said, adding that the losses have only strengthened Washington’s commitment.

The developments come amid intensifying hostilities between the United States and Iran, with Washington ramping up strikes across multiple domains. Hegseth’s emphasis on launching the “largest strike package” again signals not only a continuation but a possible expansion of high-intensity operations as the conflict enters a critical phase.