US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Thursday said the day will see the "largest strike package yet" in the Iran war after Tehran targeted Gulf neighbours, adding that it "takes money to kill bad guys."
Hegseth said the US has struck over 7,000 targets in Iran, adding that it has destroyed all 11 of Iranian submarines and sunk or damaged more than 120 war ships. More than 40 mine-laying vessels were also hit.
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"Our objectives, given directly from our America-first president, remain exactly what they were on day one," Hegseth added.
He revealed that Iran's air defence capabilities have been neutralised while sites storing drones and missiles have been heavily targeted. He added that Iran's missile launchers and defence industrial base will continue to be targeted while also ensuring that Tehran never gets a nuclear weapon.
Speaking about the need for additional funds to continue the war, he said, "So we’re going back to Congress and our folks there to ensure that we’re properly funded for what’s been done, for what we may have to do in the future, ensure that our ammunition ––everything’s refilled, and not just refilled, but above and beyond."
The war secretary said Israel's strike on South Pars gas field on Wednesday was just a "warning".
"Iran has weaponised energy for decades. Israel clearly sent a warning, and [Trump] has made it clear, very clear. Iran knows when you hit Kharg Island, and you hit military capabilities on the island - which is the only thing we hit - we can hold anything at issue," he said.
Warning Tehran against attacks on Gulf nations, Hegseth said the US military controls the fate of Iran and the regime should make the right choices. "It should not, going forward, target Arab allies, Arab countries, trying to create pain," he added.
