Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said on March 2 that the military campaign against Iran is designed to achieve specific military objectives—not to engage in nation-building.
Speaking at the Pentagon, Hegseth rejected comparisons to the Iraq War.
“This is not Iraq. This is not endless,” he said, arguing that the current mission differs fundamentally from the nation-building efforts of the past two decades. “This is the opposite.”
Hegseth said the operation is focused on dismantling Iran’s offensive military capabilities. Its stated goals include destroying missile launch systems and production facilities, degrading naval forces, and eliminating remaining nuclear-related infrastructure.
He argued that Iran has spent decades using conventional weapons and proxy forces to target Americans and U.S. allies while advancing its nuclear ambitions….
‘This is Not Iraq’: Hegseth Says Goal of Iran Operation is Not Nation Building
