Original Source
US Defense Secretary Hegseth Briefs on Iran War, Citing 'Regime Change'
Defense Secretary Hegseth Highlights Iran War Progress and Troop Morale
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth provided an update on the war in Iran, stating he visited US troops operating under CENTCOM over the weekend, engaged in Operation Epic Fury. He praised the troops' exceptional competence and unwavering commitment to their mission. Hegseth noted that soldiers expressed a desire for "more bombs and bigger bombs," reflecting their strong resolve to achieve mission success. He also highlighted a significant reduction in Iranian missile and drone launches over the past 24 hours, attributing it to the effectiveness of US military actions in damaging Iranian military morale.
Hegseth Asserts Iran's Military Decline and Regime Change
Secretary Hegseth reported extensive damage to Iran's ballistic missile and UAS production facilities, as well as naval assets, due to precision strikes by US forces. He specifically mentioned the destruction of Iranian command bunkers, forcing leaders to flee, and the disruption of water, power, oxygen, and command-and-control systems. Hegseth asserted that regime change in Iran has already taken place, attributing this to President Donald Trump's decisive policies, and reiterated that Iran would not be permitted to develop nuclear weapons. He urged Iran to be wise and accept a deal based on terms set by the US.
Chairman Caine Remembers Fallen and Details Military Objectives
General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, began his briefing by honoring Colonel Clarence 'Bud' Anderson, a decorated World War II veteran, whose burial he attended. Caine reiterated that the US Joint Force continues to systematically degrade and destroy Iran's ballistic missile and UAS capabilities. He stated that the US military is operating around the clock across air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace, having struck over 11,000 targets in the past 30 days. Caine emphasized the diminishing military capacity of Iran and affirmed the US's commitment to maintaining pressure on the enemy.
*Source: YouTube: CNN (2026-03-31)*
