U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran are not intended to become a prolonged war, declaring, “This is not Iraq. This is not endless.”

Axar.az reports, citing AP, that he described the operation as having a “clear, devastating, decisive mission” aimed at destroying Iran’s missile threat, dismantling its navy, and ensuring “no nukes.”

Hegseth emphasized that the campaign is not about regime change, stating:

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

He blamed Iran for initiating decades of hostility, saying the regime has “waged a savage, one-sided war against America” for 47 years.

Despite the strikes, officials acknowledged the conflict is widening. Four U.S. troops have been killed, and more casualties are expected.