In Full: Pete Hegseth Holds a Briefing on Iran

The Telegraph
The TelegraphMar 31, 2026

Why It Matters

The message underscores an escalating U.S. military campaign against Iran, shaping public perception and signaling to policymakers the scale of resources and industrial support required for sustained conflict.

Key Takeaways

  • Operation Epic Fury shows intensified U.S. strikes against Iran
  • Troops demand more bombs, faster tempo, mission completion
  • Dynamic targeting enabled 200 real‑time strikes in one day
  • Iran’s missile launches dropped to lowest level in weeks
  • U.S. industrial base highlighted as essential combat power source

Summary

Pete Hegseth delivered a briefing titled “Operation Epic Fury,” describing recent U.S. military actions against Iran and his on‑the‑ground visit to CENTCOM forces.

He highlighted that U.S. forces have conducted over 11,000 strikes in the past month, including 200 dynamic strikes in a single day, shot down multiple enemy missiles, and are operating at “wartime speed” with rapid cargo off‑load and high‑tempo sorties.

Hegseth quoted a junior airman demanding “more bombs, bigger bombs,” cited Admiral Cooper’s remarks on recent missile interceptions, and paid tribute to WWII ace Colonel Clarence Anderson, underscoring both frontline morale and historical legacy.

The briefing signals a hardening U.S. posture toward Iran, frames the conflict as a decisive, mission‑focused campaign, and stresses the critical role of America’s defense‑industrial base in sustaining prolonged high‑intensity operations.

Original Description

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine hold a briefing on Iran.
It will be their first in nearly two weeks.
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