Secretary of War Pete Hegseth issued a somber but defiant warning on Sunday, stating that more American casualties are expected as Operation Epic Fury continues to dismantle the Iranian regime’s military infrastructure. During an interview with CBS’s "60 Minutes," Hegseth confirmed that seven U.S. soldiers have already made the ultimate sacrifice in the fighting. He emphasized that while seeing Americans return in caskets is a heavy burden, it only strengthens the nation's determination to finish the fight.
"The president's been right to say there will be casualties," Hegseth said, noting that operations of this magnitude do not happen without loss. He argued that this generation of veterans understands the cost of war but insists that these losses do not weaken American resolve. "It stiffens our spine and our resolve to say this is a fight we will finish," Hegseth told the outlet.
The casualties reported so far include six service members killed in a March 1 Iranian drone attack in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, and a seventh who died from injuries sustained in Saudi Arabia. The U.S. and Israel launched their joint strikes last week to neutralize the world's leading sponsor of terror and its nuclear ambitions. Iran has responded with chaotic retaliation, striking at neighboring Gulf Arab states and driving many former skeptics into the American orbit.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi appeared on "Meet the Press" to issue his own threats, claiming that "brave soldiers" are waiting to destroy any enemy that enters Iranian soil. "We never give up, we never surrender, and we continue to resist as long as it takes," Aragchi stated. He insisted that the regime would defend its territory and its people against what he termed American aggression.
President Donald Trump addressed the possibility of deploying ground troops while traveling aboard Air Force One on Saturday. He told reporters there would "have to be a very good reason" to put boots on the ground in Iran. "And I would say if we ever did that, [Iran] would be so decimated they wouldn't be able to fight at the ground level," the president added confidently.
As the administration continues its Peace Through Strength agenda, the focus remains on crippling Tehran’s offensive capabilities. Hegseth’s comments reflect a common-sense understanding of the risks involved in protecting the homeland from a nuclear-armed theocracy. For the Trump administration, the goal is a decisive victory that ensures the safety of American citizens for generations to come.