美国国防部新闻发布会：“史诗之怒”细节首曝光！｜新闻特写20260303

Well, good morning. Uh, we just finished an update with Admiral Brad Cooper, the Sententcom commander across the Sententcom AO. Our leadership and

Sententcom AO. Our leadership and troops, as you would expect, doing a fantastic job.

Two days ago, under the direction and direct orders of President Donald J.

Trump, the Department of War launched Operation Epic Fury, the most lethal, most complex, and most precise aerial operation in history.

For 47 long years, the expansionist and Islamist regime in Thran has waged a savage one-sided war against America.

They didn't always declare it openly, except for their constant chance of death to America. They did it through the blood of our people. Car bombs in

Beirut, rocket attacks on our ships, murders at our embassies, roadside bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan, funded and armed by Iranian goods force and IRGC

killers.

My generation of veterans carry the names of brothers who never came home.

Brothers butchered by Iranianbacked roadside bombs and well-armed militias, thousands of our own.

We didn't start this war, but under President Trump, we are finishing it.

Their war on Americans has become our retribution against their Ayatollah and his death cult. It took the 47th president, a fighter who always puts

America first, to finally draw the line after 47 years of Iranian belligerance.

He reminded the world, as he has time and time again, being an American means something unbreakable.

If you kill Americans, if you threaten Americans anywhere on earth, we will hunt you down without apology and without hesitation, and we will kill you.

President Trump has also been very consistent. Crazy regimes like Iran,

consistent. Crazy regimes like Iran, hell-bent on prophetic Islamist delusions, cannot have nuclear weapons.

It's common sense. Many have said it, but it takes guts to actually enforce it. And our president has guts.

it. And our president has guts.

Iran's stubborn and self-evident nuclear pursuits, their targeting of global shipping lanes and their swelling arsenal of ballistic missiles and killer drones were no longer are no longer

tolerable risks. Iran was building

tolerable risks. Iran was building powerful missiles and drones to create a conventional shield for their nuclear blackmail ambitions. Let me say that

blackmail ambitions. Let me say that again. A conventional shield for their

again. A conventional shield for their nuclear blackmail ambitions.

our bases, our people, our allies, all in their crosshairs. Iran had a conventional gun to our head as they tried to lie their way to a nuclear

bomb. It almost worked under Obama and

bomb. It almost worked under Obama and his terrible deal, but not under this president.

Turns out the regime who chanted death to America and death to Israel was gifted death from America and death from Israel.

This is not a so-called regime change war, but the regime sure did change, and the world is better off for it. Today,

in their desperation, the enemy is unmasked as Iranian missiles and drones rain down indiscriminately on the hotels, airports, apartments, and

other civilian targets of their neighbors. cowardly terrorist tactics

neighbors. cowardly terrorist tactics for reg from a regime that for decades has trafficked in cowardly terrorist tactics, lies, death, and destruction.

To this day, the Iranian leadership has built nothing except proxies and missiles and drones and deeply buried nuclear factories and

facilities. Peaceful nuclear ambitions

facilities. Peaceful nuclear ambitions do not need to be buried underneath mountains.

Last June, Operation Midnight Hammer obliterated their nuclear program to rubble. Afterward, we told them plainly,

rubble. Afterward, we told them plainly, "That's it. Now make a deal." They

"That's it. Now make a deal." They

arrogantly refused. We said, "Rebuild it and we'll stop you again. This time far worse." Well, President Trump, Secretary

worse." Well, President Trump, Secretary Rubio, Steve Witoff, Jared Kushner, they bent over backwards for real diplomacy, offering pathway after pathway to peace.

I watched it. I was there. They tried

over and over and over again earnest attempts at peace. The former regime had every chance to make a peaceful and

sensible deal. But Tran was not

sensible deal. But Tran was not negotiating. They were stalling, buying

negotiating. They were stalling, buying time to reload their missile stockpiles and restart their nuclear ambitions.

Their goal, hold us hostage, threatening to strike our forces. Well,

President Trump doesn't play those games. And as Secretary Rubio said after

games. And as Secretary Rubio said after the Maduro raid, "If you don't know, now you know." President Trump puts America

you know." President Trump puts America and Americans first. He doesn't

hesitate, and neither do our troops. The

mission of Operation Epic Fury is laser focused. destroy Iranian offensive

focused. destroy Iranian offensive missiles, destroy Iranian missile production, destroy their navy and other security infrastructure, and they will never have nuclear weapons.

We're hitting them surgically, overwhelmingly, and unapologetically.

With every passing day, our capabilities get stronger and Iran's get weaker. We

set the terms of this war from start to finish. Our ambitions are not utopian.

finish. Our ambitions are not utopian.

They are realistic, scoped to our interests and the defense of our people and our allies.

Speaking of people, we hope the Iranian people take advantage of this incredible opportunity. President Trump has been

opportunity. President Trump has been clear. Now is your time.

clear. Now is your time.

To Iran Iranian security forces, choose wisely.

President Trump has also been clear about your fate in either direction.

To the media outlets and political left screaming endless wars, stop. This is

not Iraq. This is not endless. I was

there for both. Our generation knows better and so does this president. He

called the last 20 years of nation building wars dumb. And he's right. This

is the opposite. This operation is a clear, devastating, decisive mission.

Destroy the missile threat, destroy the navy, no nukes.

Israel has clear missions as well, for which we are grateful.

Capable partners. As we've said since the beginning, capable partners are good partners. Unlike so many of our

partners. Unlike so many of our traditional allies who ring their hands and clutch their pearls, hemming and hawing about the use of force,

America, regardless of what so-called international institutions say, is unleashing the most lethal and precise air power campaign in history. B2s,

fighters, drones, missiles, and of course, classified effects.

All on our terms with maximum authorities. No stupid rules of

authorities. No stupid rules of engagement, no nation building quagmire, no democracybuilding exercise, no politically correct wars. We fight to

win and we don't waste time or lives.

As the president warned, an effort of this scope will include casualties.

War is hell and always will be.

A grateful nation honors the four Americans we have lost thus far and those injured, the absolute best of America.

May we prosecute the remainder of this operation in a manner that honors them.

No apologies, no hesitation.

epic fury for them and the thousands of Americans before them taken too soon by Iranian radicals.

Before I turn it over to General Kaine for the operational update, let me speak straight to you, the joint force, our warriors on the front lines.

This is your moment. This is the generational turning point America has waited for since 1979. And since the rudderless wars of hubris my generation,

our generation endured. Don't listen to the noise. Just stay focused. Our

the noise. Just stay focused. Our

commander-in-chief is steady at the wheel. We face a determined enemy, but

wheel. We face a determined enemy, but you are better.

But we must prove it every single day.

History doesn't care if we're tired, if we're scared, or if the fight feels big.

It demands warriors who rise anyway.

Peace through strength, the warrior ethos, lethality, unity of purpose.

Those are not slogans. They're the

beating heart of what it means to wear the uniform, that uniform.

You think clearly under fire. You act

decisively in chaos. You uphold the Constitution. And you uphold our country

Constitution. And you uphold our country without hesitation.

We are not defenders anymore.

We are warriors trained to kill the enemy and break their will. History is

watching. Be the force you swore an oath to be. Focused, disciplined, lethal, and

to be. Focused, disciplined, lethal, and unbreakable.

We will finish this on America first conditions of President Trump's choosing. Nobody else's, as it should

choosing. Nobody else's, as it should be. And know this above all, President

be. And know this above all, President Trump and I have your back always.

Through fire, through criticism, through fake news, through everything, we unleash you because you are the best, most powerful, most lethal fighting

force the world has ever seen.

May Almighty God watch over you and his providential arms of protection extend over you. Godspeed, warriors, and keep

over you. Godspeed, warriors, and keep going. General Kaine, over to you.

going. General Kaine, over to you.

>> Thank you, Mr. Secretary, and uh good morning, everyone. The purpose of my

morning, everyone. The purpose of my portion of the briefing today is to update you and the American people on the actions taken thus far. The briefing

will discuss the preparation, the planning, setting the force, the early operations, and how we're assessing the progress thus far. Uh, so let's get

started. On Saturday, 28th February at

started. On Saturday, 28th February at 01:15 Eastern Standard Time, 9:45 a.m. local

Tron, on the orders of the President of the United States, US Central Command under the command of United States Navy Admiral Brad Cooper commenced Operation Epic Fury. As I said, I'm going to walk

Epic Fury. As I said, I'm going to walk you through the initial phases of the operation, but first I want to express my deep condolences and the condolences

of the joint force to the Department of War personnel killed and wounded in action thus far. As the secretary said, they're heroes and represent the best of

our nation has to offer. They're true

examples of what selfless service means.

Our deepest and heartfelt condolences are with their families, their friends, and their units. We grieve with you and we will never forget you. Additionally,

I stand here before you today grateful for each service member, planner, logistician, operator across our joint force. For our Department of War

force. For our Department of War civilians, our intelligence community teammates, our inter agency teammates who continue to stand in harm's way

alongside us. I am proud of all of you

alongside us. I am proud of all of you as you take the fight to the enemy and we are the best in the world at integrating period. I want to extend my

integrating period. I want to extend my personal gratitude to the dedicated commanders and senior enlisted leaders and the enlisted members of the joint

force who are fighting this fight across the Sencom AO. In addition to Admiral Cooper and Fleet Master Chief Compton, I want to highlight a few today. US Army

Central Command Commander Lieutenant General Pat Frank who along with his team are fighting the counter missile and counter drone fight. United States

Navy Central Command Commander Vice Admiral Kurt Renshaw and his team who are engaged with the Iranian Navy and projecting American naval combat power

from the seas and United States Air Force Central Command Commander Lieutenant General Derek France and his leadership team who are crushing Iranian targets from the air. I want to

highlight the support to the SenCom fight from other combatant commands who are directly involved with this effort to include US Spacecom, US Cybercom and

US Yukon. I also want to specifically

US Yukon. I also want to specifically call out United States Transportation Command and US Stracom for their contributions to this fight. We cannot

project American combat power at the time and place of our choosing without both. And finally, I want to express how

both. And finally, I want to express how deeply thankful I am for the continued service and sacrifice of the entire joint force and their families. Their

unwavering commitment and dedication are the cornerstones of this effort. So, let

me start with a few details. First, to

be clear, as the secretary said, this is not a single overnight operation. The

military objectives that SENCOM and the joint force have been tasked with will take some time to achieve and in some cases will be difficult and gritty work.

We expect to take additional losses and as always we will work to minimize US losses but as the secretary said this is

major combat operations. So let me talk about the preparation and the planning.

On February 28th, the full strength of America's armed forces came together in a unified purpose against a capable and determined adversary. The United States

determined adversary. The United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and our reserve components integrated our cross

our combatant commands and began coordinated operations with the Israeli armed forces of an unprecedented scale.

As the secretary laid out, our military objectives are clear. Our mission is to protect and defend ourselves and together with our regional partners,

prevent Iran from the ability to project power outside of its borders and be ready for follow-on actions as appropriate. across every domain, land,

appropriate. across every domain, land, air, sea, cyber, the US joint force delivered synchronized and layered effects designed to disrupt, degrade,

deny, and destroy Iran's ability to conduct and sustain combat operations.

On the US side, this marked the culmination of months and in some cases years of deliberate planning and refinement against this particular

target set. From precision strikes

target set. From precision strikes against key military infrastructure to persistent intelligence and targeting integration to the close coordination of

the components across vast distances.

This operation again demonstrated America's reach, readiness and professionalism and that of our joint united force. It was historic not only

united force. It was historic not only in the operational scope but in the level of joint integration displayed across every element of the joint force.

And as I said earlier, this work is just beginning and will continue. So now to talk a little bit about setting the force and setting the theater on the

order of the Secretary of War over the last 30 days to reinforce deterrence and provide the president with credible options should action be required. The

joint force began to systematically reposition assets and personnel across the region. These movements ensured that

the region. These movements ensured that US forces remain postured, protected and ready to respond.

decisively for any emerging threat. This

deployment included thousands of service members from all branches, hundreds of advanced fourth and fifth generation fighters, dozens of refueling tankers,

the Lincoln and Ford carrier strike group and their embarked air wings, sustained flow of munitions, fuel supplies, all supported with command and control, intelligence, surveillance and

reconnaissance network. And the flow of

reconnaissance network. And the flow of forces continues today. In fact, Admiral Cooper will receive additional forces even today. This rapid buildup of forces

even today. This rapid buildup of forces demonstrated the joint forces ability to adapt and project power at the time and place of our nation's choosing. I want

to highlight a couple specific cases for you. The Gerald R. Ford carrier strike

you. The Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, which many of you know was down in the Western Hemisphere, redeployed across the Atlantic to set the theater.

the ship, her crew, their families, and the entire strike group took a deep breath and as they always do, began planning to conduct combat operations.

The integrated reserve and national guard forces have continued to demonstrate the value of America's reserve forces, including the Wisconsin Wisconsin Army National Guard operating

in Kuwait and Iraq and Air National Guard units from a variety of states to include Vermont, Virginia. In the case of the Vermont Air National Guard and

the 158th Fighter Wing, they were mobilized for Operation Absolute Resolve and then were tasked to take their F-35As across the Atlantic instead of going

home to be prepared to support this operation. The same as with our Air

operation. The same as with our Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command tanker and mobility forces who stepped right out of their civilian jobs

to deploy and to protect the region.

Lastly, I want to highlight the unsung heroes of warfare, our American logisticians and sustainment force, those who quietly work every day behind

the scenes to project and sustain America's combat power. Our leaders from World War II were right when they said professionals do logistics. As regional

tensions rose, the joint force elevated our force protection measures on the order of the secretary and repositioned discreetly civilians and non-essential

personnel designed to ensure the safety and security of our joint force. By the

time operations began, only essential forces remained on our bases and in the already capable to respond.

So now let me move to H hour. At 1538

3:38 p.m. on Friday, February 27th, the United States Central Command through the Secretary of War received the final go order from President Trump. The

president directed and I quote, "Operation Epic Fury is approved. No

aborts. Good luck." Quote close quote.

In the region, every element of the joint force made their final preparations. Air defense batteries

preparations. Air defense batteries readied themselves, checking their systems to respond to Iranian attacks.

Pilots and crews rehearsed their strike packages for the final time. Air crews

began loading their final weapons. And

two carrier strike groups began to move towards their launching points. Across

the globe, our operations centers came alive in Tampa, Florida, here at the Pentagon, and of course forward in the Central Command AO. As always,

operational security was paramount as we sought to maintain and sustain the element of surprise. This operation was highly classified so that at each hour

uh the enemy would see one thing, speed, surprise, and violence of action. The

first movers were US CyberCom and US Spacecom, layering non-kinetic effects, disrupting and degrading and blinding Iran's ability to see, communicate, and

respond. At H hour, the beginning of

respond. At H hour, the beginning of major combat operations, 015 local, Eastern Daylight Time, 9:45 local

a.m. Thrron time. As dawn crept up

a.m. Thrron time. As dawn crept up across the central command AO, the skies surged to life. More than a 100 aircraft launched from land, sea, fighters,

tankers, airborne early warning, electronic attack, bombers from the states, and unmanned platforms forming a single synchronized wave. This was a

daylight strike based on a trigger event conducted by the Israeli Defense Forces enabled by the US intelligence community. The first shooters at sea

community. The first shooters at sea were tomahawks unleashed by the United States Navy, closed in on Iranian naval forces, and began to conduct strikes

across the southern flank in Iran. On

the ground, forces fired precision standoff weapons, measured, deliberate, precise, and lethal. This was a massive, overwhelming attack across all domains

of warfare, striking more than a thousand targets in the first 24 hours.

We are now roughly 57 hours into the operation. In the initial phase,

operation. In the initial phase, SENCOM's focus was systematic targeting of Iranians command and control infrastructure, naval forces, ballistic

missile sites, and intelligence infrastructure designed to daz and confuse them. Coordinated space and

confuse them. Coordinated space and cyber operations effectively disrupted communications and sensor networks across the area of responsibility,

leaving the adversary without the ability to see, coordinate, or respond effectively. The combined impact of

effectively. The combined impact of these strikes, swift, precise, and overwhelming, has resulted in the establishment of local air superiority.

This air superiority will not only enhance the protection of our forces, but also allow them to continue the work over Iran. Over the course of the last

over Iran. Over the course of the last two days, the joint force has launched hundreds of missions from land and sea and delivered tens of thousands of pieces of ordinance. The effort

continues to scale. This included

American B2 bombers which again similar to Midnight Hammer flew a 37-hour roundtrip sordy from the continental United States dropping precision

penetrating munitions on Iranian underground facilities across the southern flank and slightly deeper.

Additionally, Israel has separately executed hundreds of sorties against hundreds of targets.

Beyond Air Force and Navy aircraft strike packages, coordinated salvos of precision standoff weapons from across the region have neutralized hundreds of

pre-planned targets. As I mentioned

pre-planned targets. As I mentioned earlier, uh, in support of these kinetic operations, US CyberCom and Spacecom have continuously layered effects to

disrupt, disorient, and confuse the enemy. I will note that this operation

enemy. I will note that this operation had several combat firsts, which I'll allow at some point in the future Admiral Cooper to talk about since he

owns the AO.

While we've pro prosecuted a relentless offensive campaign, our defense has been equally important. Across the theater,

equally important. Across the theater, operations have remained steady and disciplined. Once again, our integrated

disciplined. Once again, our integrated air and missile defense network is performing exactly exactly as it's intended. US Patriot and THAAD batteries

intended. US Patriot and THAAD batteries along with ballistic missile defense capable Navy destroyers continue to coordinate and execute intercepts with

precision and consistency.

I wish that every American could hear the voice communications like I have as these joint operation centers remain

calm, focused, and cool while executing under fire uh over and over again.

Collectively, these systems have intercepted hundreds of ballistic missiles targeting US forces, our partners, and regional stability.

The threat from one-way attack UAVs has remained persistent. Our systems have

remained persistent. Our systems have proven effective in countering these platforms, engaging targets rapidly.

Each intercept represents hundreds of hours of training, readiness, and technology, all coming together to work as designed. We will remain vigilant in

as designed. We will remain vigilant in the counter UAV fight. And the defense of the region is not ours alone. As the

threat grew, our partners surged in beside us. Air defense batteries in

beside us. Air defense batteries in Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia join the fight. Proof

positive that years of training, trust, and hardearned integration pay off. I am

aware of the loss of three US Air Force F-15E overnight in the region. I am

grateful for the safety of the crews and we know that this was not from hostile enemy fire. As this matters under

enemy fire. As this matters under investigation, I'll not comment further on this. Let me close. Operations will

on this. Let me close. Operations will

remain active across the theater and across the globe. The US forces are postured not only to maintain pressure

but to respond and adapt as required.

Operation Epic Fury stands as a reminder of what the United States military uniquely delivers. The ability to

uniquely delivers. The ability to project power on a global scale with speed surprise precision and

overwhelming force when and where our nation requires it. What we've

demonstrated over the past several days reflects years of investment in readiness, joint integration, and professionalism of the joint force. As

major combat operations continue across SentCom, we remain engaged globally.

America's joint force retains the credibility, capacity, and flexibility to respond to any contingency anywhere

in the world at any time. to those who would test our resolve or threaten the United States, our allies, or our

interests. Understand clearly, we can

interests. Understand clearly, we can reach you. We can sustain the fight and

reach you. We can sustain the fight and we can scale the fight and we will prevail. To the American people, your

prevail. To the American people, your joint force remains steady, frosty, calm, and focused. Your service members

are trained, disciplined, and determined. We understand the risks of

determined. We understand the risks of this mission and the weight of the responsibility that we carry. We also

recognize that our families also shoulder the burden at home. You are a part of this, too. I am proud today, as

I am every day, to stand as a member of America's joint force. There is no mission too complex, no distance too great, and no adversary too determined

for the men and women who wear our nation's uniform.

We mourn our fallen, we honor their families, and we continue our mission with focus, unity, and strength. And now

I'm happy to take any questions.

>> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Right here, go ahead.

>> Thank you for your time. What percentage

of Iranian long strike capabilities are still in the fight and what is our exit strategy here and when will it be deployed?

>> Well, they they have long range strike capabilities um which we are hyperfocused on. The brief we got just

hyperfocused on. The brief we got just this morning, Admiral Cooper knows exactly and precisely what kind of threat uh matrix he's looking at, the way they might change their techniques and how we adapt to that. Uh so we're

making sure the theater commander has absolutely everything he needs. I mean

one of the things the chairman mentioned is for months and months even before we built up we ensured that we had maximum defensive capabilities in theater to allow the president the decision space in the future. So even before this

buildup in the last 30 days we discreetly brought defensive assets in to make sure understanding that that there are Iranian capabilities. As far

as time frame I would never hang hang a time frame from our perspective. The

commander-in-chief sets the optempo and terms of this fight. As I said it's on his terms. Uh, and we'll make sure that Admiral Cooper and his team have everything they need, not just to defend. I mean, the best defense is good

defend. I mean, the best defense is good offense. And so, we're aggressively

offense. And so, we're aggressively pushing into that airspace over that southern flank to ensure that we control it and we destroy anything that moves that would attempt to shoot us. Think of

it as shooting the archer instead of the arrows. Uh, that's where we want to be.

arrows. Uh, that's where we want to be.

And we have the kind of exquisite intelligence to get over the top, find that, and destroy it. It won't happen overnight. This is a big battle space uh

overnight. This is a big battle space uh with a lot of capabilities. That's part

of the reason why it's such a threat to us. That's why I talk about conventional

us. That's why I talk about conventional umbrella to blackmail nuclear ambitions.

Uh they were building up this conventional arsenal in order to ensure that no one would ever block them from their ability to get nuclear weapons. So

we're we're very cleareyed about the nature of this Iranian threat and we're going to get after it. I don't know if you have anything to add to that, Mr. Chair.

>> Thank you for the question. The only

thing I'll add is unlike an operation a single operation like Midnight Hammer or Absolute Resolve, uh we'll it'll take some time for us to conduct battle damage assessment and the targeting

cycle that SenCom will run. We'll take

those things into effect. Admiral Cooper

will adjust his plan and fires accordingly to ensure that we're attitting that. He's focused on long

attitting that. He's focused on long range strike capability coming out of the enemy. Um and uh and that's a key

the enemy. Um and uh and that's a key and essential part of it >> of the capabilities that still exist from the enemy front.

>> Yeah, that's why I mean when I say we're still doing BDA um normally, you know, normally we'd be able to uh see a singular thing and we'd assess pretty quickly. He's doing offense and

quickly. He's doing offense and assessment simultaneously, so it'll take longer for us to assess than it would in a single operation.

>> Secretary Hicks, thank you. Reagan Reese

with the Daily Caller. Um two questions for you. The president said yesterday in

for you. The president said yesterday in his video message that we will leave Iran when we complete all of our objectives. What are our objectives and

objectives. What are our objectives and can you share more information on how the soldiers who were killed were killed?

>> Well, I laid out the objectives as did the chairman. They're they're completely

the chairman. They're they're completely nested. I mean, Iran has an ability to

nested. I mean, Iran has an ability to project power against us and our allies in a ways that we can't um we can't tolerate. So whether that's ballistic

tolerate. So whether that's ballistic missiles and drones, so offensive capabilities, uh effectively their their navy, which would attempt to set other terms and impose different costs, uh

drone capabilities, which we which we laid out there. And ultimately though, this tying it back to midnight hammer, the president has been willing to make a deal. You can't have a nuclear bomb.

deal. You can't have a nuclear bomb.

Radical Islamists can't have a nuclear bomb that they wield uh against the world. He gave them every single

world. He gave them every single opportunity. then we precisely took it

opportunity. then we precisely took it away and even even then after that they didn't have that they didn't come to the table with a willingness to give it away. So ultimately that those nuclear

away. So ultimately that those nuclear ambitions which never ceased uh are something that had to be addressed as well. So that's a discrete sense of

well. So that's a discrete sense of what's being addressed here to ensure that they can't use that conventional umbrella to continue a pursuit of nuclear ambitions. Uh and then as as it

nuclear ambitions. Uh and then as as it pertains to the US casualties, that particular incident uh was, you know, you have air defenses and the lots coming in and you hit most of it and we absolutely do. We have incredible air

absolutely do. We have incredible air defenders. Uh every once in a while, you

defenders. Uh every once in a while, you might have one, unfortunately, we call it a squirter that that makes its way through. Uh and in that particular case,

through. Uh and in that particular case, uh it happened to hit uh a a tactical operation center uh that was that was fortified, but um these are powerful

weapons. So we are we certainly we'll do

weapons. So we are we certainly we'll do as I said moments like that as we remember them and we take care of them and take care of their families only stiffen our resolve to ensure that we uh we do this properly.

>> Thank you.

>> Yep. Right here.

>> Thank you. He uh Secretary Hexath, I had two questions for you. First, um are there currently any American boots on the ground in Iran?

>> Um no, but we're not going to go into the exercise of what we will or will not do. I think it's one of those fallacies

do. I think it's one of those fallacies for a long time that this department or presidents or others should tell the American people this and our and our enemies, by the way, here's exactly what we'll do. Here's exactly how long we'll

we'll do. Here's exactly how long we'll go. Here's exactly how far we'll go.

go. Here's exactly how far we'll go.

Here's what we're willing to do and not do. It's foolishness. And so, President

do. It's foolishness. And so, President Trump ensures that our enemies understand we'll go as far as we need to go to advanced American interest. But

we're not dumb about it. You don't have to roll 200,000 people in there and stay for 20 years. We've proven that you can achieve objectives that advance American interests without being foolish about it. Now, will we be bold about it? Are

it. Now, will we be bold about it? Are

we willing to be decisive about it? Do

we put months and months of planning into what kind of effects we want to achieve? Absolutely. But going forward,

achieve? Absolutely. But going forward, why in the world would we tell you, you, the enemy, anybody what we will or will not do in pursuit of an objective? We

fight to win. We fight to achieve the objectives the president of the United States has laid out and we will do so unapologetically. Thank you.

unapologetically. Thank you.

>> Is there any significance to Israel carrying out the strike to kill the Ayatollah? And um I wanted to know what

Ayatollah? And um I wanted to know what was your immediate reaction to finding out about his killing?

>> I uh I think Israel did a great job in the conduct of that operation.

>> President Trump put a four-week timeline. Are you saying that's wrong?

timeline. Are you saying that's wrong?

>> Um yeah, thank you. Um you you mentioned during the briefing uh General Kaine that there would be additional troops sent to the region. Could you say how many troops uh currently are involved in

this operation and how many additional troops are planned to go in in in this next phase?

>> Uh I don't want to talk specifics because that would tip the enemy off. Um

we we have more tactical aviation flowing into theater just based on the time it took to get it out there. Um, I

think we're just about where we want to be in terms of total combat capacity and total combat power for Admiral Cooper.

One of the things though that a commander he'll consistently assess the trajectory of the campaign is he on or off trajectory and then make an ask of

the joint force which will then uh develop options for consideration by the secretary and the president to either increase or in some cases decrease the amount of combat capability that we have

over there.

>> I heard the question about uh about four weeks. It's the typical typical NBC sort

weeks. It's the typical typical NBC sort of gotcha type question. President Trump

has all the latitude in the world to talk about how long it may or may not take. Four weeks, two weeks, six weeks.

take. Four weeks, two weeks, six weeks.

It could move up. It could move back. Uh

we're going to execute at his command the objectives we've set out to achieve.

And what he has shown ability to do that other presidents can't quite seem to have the aperture to do. Well, I mean, Joe Biden didn't even know what he was doing, is to look for opportunities and

offramps and escalations for the United States. That creates new opportunities

States. That creates new opportunities to execute what we need on our own timeline. So you can play games about

timeline. So you can play games about four weeks, five weeks. He has all the latitude and I'm glad he does because there's no better communicator than our president expressing those things >> to the Daily Mail.

>> I've been in meetings with the president for the last two and a half days. We

know exactly where his head headspace is and he will communicate as he should exactly uh what he would like and we will follow those orders and I think he everything he said on that is right down the middle.

>> Did you? Absolutely. Yes. Right there.

Yes sir.

>> Thank you very much, Secretary. I left

my hometown of Sakist in Iranian Kurdistan in 1996.

Can you promise that I will be able to return home safely this year? And I have a following question to please.

>> I appreciate the question. I I'm not here to place guarantees on that, but I think the message the president has given has been clear uh to the people of Iran. This is your moment. Um there were

Iran. This is your moment. Um there were the world was seized by these crowds uh and then seized by the reality of this regime killing tens of thousands of innocent protesters. So we saw the

innocent protesters. So we saw the nature of the regime yet again exposed.

We saw many many uh of the Iranian people seek a change there. Uh this is their moment to take advantage of it for sure.

>> You serve in Iraq and know that no Amrikian soldiers were killed in Kurdistan. The Kurdish people are very

Kurdistan. The Kurdish people are very prom.

Will you continue protect Kurdistan and Peshmerga as loyal ally of the United States? Why I am asking this question?

States? Why I am asking this question?

Because now Kurdistan is under attack by Iranian drones and by proxies in Iraq and on the region.

>> I think uh I can speak to allies generally in the region who we've been in constant communication with. We have

been standing shoulder-to-shoulder with them and we appreciate their capabilities. Absolutely. Yes. Right

capabilities. Absolutely. Yes. Right

here.

>> Hi, thank you Cameron Arkin with the Daily Wire. My question is about some of

Daily Wire. My question is about some of the domestic threats if any regarding this right now. There been any concerns about Iranian sleeper cells and kind of what has the Trump administration been

doing to kind of monitor these >> across the inter agency uh in full coordination. Of course, we're paying

coordination. Of course, we're paying attention to any potentialities there.

Um there this is a former regime, a regime uh that seeks to export that ideology and try to uh sow terror. Um

we're ready for that. We've we we've seen these types of folks before and the American people can rest assured that uh we're we're vigilant on that.

>> Thank you. Um kind of a follow up on that last question. There was just this what appears to be a terrorist attack in Austin yesterday. Um how does that

Austin yesterday. Um how does that change the operation at all? What effect

does that have?

doesn't change the operation at all and I know the authorities are are executing exactly the way they should.

>> Secretary Hicks then and one for Chairman Kaine as well. I understand to your point here that you don't want to broadcast everything for our adversaries to hear, but the American people also

want to know what they're sending their men and women to war for. Are is there a concern of this spiraling into a longer war and then one for the chairman when you're done?

>> Did you not hear my remarks? I mean,

we're ensuring the mission gets accomplished, but we are very cleareyed as the president has been, unlike other presidents uh about the foolish policies of the past that recklessly pulled us in

to things that were not tethered to actual clear objectives. Um so we we know we have plans, we have generals, we have chairmans, we have commanders,

sentcom commanders, Admiral Cooper, who's executing very deliberately uh to ensure outcomes that I laid out are accomplished. But we would never in in

accomplished. But we would never in in front of a press pool um lay out how long that may take. Uh our the mission for our war fighters which is what matters to us is very very clear. Uh and

they're executing it right now violently.

>> And just for the chairman quickly I have one just for the chairman. You said this is not a one night operation. It will

take time to achieve the goals. What

would be the the goal line here for you?

I think the secretary laid out the military objectives and that's what we execute against is the military objectives.

>> Last one right here uranium is >> Thank you, sir. As you've said, there are a large amount of US service members that are in harm's way right now. What

is your prayer for them?

>> Uh, first of all, my prayer for them is that I do pray for them. Um, my wife prays for them, our family prays for them, our cabinet prays for them. Um,

none of this is done um on a whim.

um having been in their boots, having been in their shoes, having been in their flight suits, um I think we I mean I know we think about them with every decision that we make and every recommendation that we make uh to the

president of the United States. Those

those those recommendations are made prayerfully. Uh and when I pray every

prayerfully. Uh and when I pray every day for them and for this mission, I pray simply for the biblical wisdom to see what is right and the courage to do it. It's going to take courage to follow

it. It's going to take courage to follow through on this. there's going to be a lot of noise. Uh, and we pray for that and we hope all of you do do as well.

Thank you very much. Appreciate it.

Thank you.