No 'regime-change war' in Iran, Pentagon chief says as US strikes continue

"This is not a so called regime change war, but the regime sure did change," Hegseth told a news conference alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine.

His remarks came after the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, killing the country's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other top security officials.

"The mission of Operation Epic Fury is laser-focused. Destroy Iranian offensive missiles, destroy Iranian missile production, destroy their navy and other security infrastructure, and they will never have nuclear weapons," Hegseth said.

He added that Iran was building "powerful" missiles and drones to create a "conventional shield for their nuclear blackmail ambitions."

Hegseth also said this would not be an "endless" war.