Pentagon Holds First Briefing as Hegseth Declares 'We Didn't Start This War But We're Finishing It'

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine held the Pentagon's first press briefing on Operation Epic Fury Monday morning, with Hegseth declaring 'We didn't start this war, but under President Trump we're finishing it.' The briefing came as Trump suggested the conflict could continue for weeks, acknowledged 'likely more' American deaths, and as the U.S. casualty toll climbed to four service members killed in action. Hegseth outlined the campaign's achievements — including the destruction of Iran's navy, the elimination of Khamenei and senior regime figures, and significant damage to nuclear facilities — while deflecting questions about an exit strategy or the absence of congressional authorization. The briefing marks the administration's first sustained effort to frame the narrative of a conflict that has dominated global attention since Saturday's opening strikes, as Congress prepares for a bitter war powers vote and Democrats accuse Trump of launching an unconstitutional war.