Pentagon Chief Says US Military Operations Against Iran 'Just Beginning'

JAKARTA - US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the American military operation against Iran was just the beginning and was far from over, as the US and Israeli attacks on Iran entered their second week.

In an interview aired on CBS News' '60 Minutes' on Sunday, the Pentagon chief said Iran's ability to project power in the region continues to weaken.

"It's decreasing and will continue to decrease. Once again, what I want to say to your audience is that this is just the beginning," said Hegseth, launching Anadolu (9/3).

According to the Pentagon, more than 50,000 US troops are involved in what is called Operation Epic Fury, with the US military having attacked around 3,000 targets inside Iran as of Friday.

Furthermore, Defense Minister Hegseth said that military operations against Iran were going according to plan but rejected the notion that the military operation was almost complete.

"We are on the right track, according to plan," he said, adding that the US and Israel have "extraordinary" military capabilities compared to Iran.

"If you combine our air force with the Israel Defense Forces air force, they are the two strongest air forces in the world," he claimed.

He also reiterated President Donald Trump's demand that Iran "surrender unconditionally," saying the goal was to make Iranian forces unable to continue the fight.

"It means we are fighting to win. It means we set the conditions. We will know when they are no longer able to fight," said Hegseth.

The statement comes amid rising regional tensions amid US and Israeli attacks on Iranian targets and retaliatory attacks across the Middle East.

According to the Pentagon, the US is ready to continue the campaign for as long as necessary to achieve its goals.

The Pentagon chief also warned that casualties were expected as the conflict continued.

"The president is right when he says there will be casualties. There will be more casualties," he said, adding that the losses "strengthen our determination and confidence to say that this is a battle we will finish."