US Defense Chief: "Iran War Is Not an Endless Quagmire... Uncertain on End Date" (Update)

"Clear War Objectives... Blocking Nuclear Weapons Acquisition"
"7,000 Targets Struck... 90% Reduction in Missile and Drone Attacks"

Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense, dismissed concerns that the war against Iran would become a prolonged quagmire.

On March 19 (local time), Secretary Hegseth stated at a battlefield briefing held at the Pentagon (Department of Defense Headquarters) in Washington, D.C., "Some are suggesting that this conflict will turn into an 'endless abyss' or a 'forever war,' but that is far from the truth."

Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense, is answering questions from reporters at the Pentagon (Department of Defense Headquarters) in Washington, D.C., on the 19th (local time). Photo by AP Yonhap News

Secretary Hegseth emphasized that the objectives of this operation remain unchanged since the outset of the war. He explained, "Our goal is to neutralize Iran's missile launch capabilities and defense industrial base, destroy its naval forces, and prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons."

Regarding the timeline for ending the war, he said, "I do not want to set a definitive deadline," adding, "Everything is proceeding smoothly according to plan." He continued, "The point at which we can say, 'We have achieved what we needed,' will ultimately be determined by the President."

Meanwhile, the U.S. military announced that it has struck more than 7,000 targets to date. As a result, it claimed that Iran's ballistic missile and suicide drone (UAV) attacks have each decreased by 90%. In addition, it said that more than 120 Iranian naval vessels have been sunk, and 11 submarines have disappeared.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.