Officials address latest phase of conflict as operations continue into fifth week and diplomatic signals emerge.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
U.S. defense officials delivered a public briefing following a new round of airstrikes in Iran, as military operations tied to the ongoing conflict enter their fifth week.
War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine provided updates on the situation after recent strikes reportedly targeted a missile facility in Isfahan.
The briefing follows continued military activity under Operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28 with a large-scale U.S. operation against Iranian targets. According to prior statements, the opening phase included strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with senior officials.
Recent footage released by Donald Trump showed coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes described as focusing on an intercontinental ballistic missile site in the city of Isfahan.
Pentagon officials have indicated that key Iranian military capabilities have been significantly degraded during the campaign. Statements from defense leadership describe damage to missile systems, naval assets, air force infrastructure, and elements of Iran’s nuclear program.
Despite continued exchanges of missile fire between Iran and Israeli forces, Trump has suggested that negotiations may be progressing. Speaking over the weekend, he said Iran is “agreeing with us” on elements of a proposed 15-point framework and indicated that limited oil shipments have resumed through the Strait of Hormuz.
“It’s really a new regime. It’s a group of people, people that we’ve never dealt with before, that are acting very reasonable. It is truly regime change,” Trump said in remarks describing the evolving political situation inside Iran.
At the same time, the administration has signaled that further escalation remains under consideration. On Monday, Trump warned that U.S. forces could expand strikes to include Iran’s energy production and water infrastructure if an agreement is not reached in the near term.
The president also addressed the possibility of deploying ground forces, stating in an earlier interview, available here, “I just have lots of alternatives,” and adding that “we have tremendous numbers of ships over there.”
Reports indicate that additional U.S. personnel have been deployed to the region as contingency planning continues.
Original article
Comments