Pentagon chief: Europe, Middle East should thank Trump for Iran campaign

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the world and US allies should be thanking President Donald Trump for the ongoing military campaign against Iran, sharply criticising European partners and segments of the American press during a Pentagon briefing.

“The world, the Middle East, our ungrateful allies in Europe, and even segments of our own press should be saying one thing to Trump: thank you,” Hegseth said, Caliber.Az reports per Clash Report.

His remarks came as he outlined the scale and trajectory of joint US-Israeli operations, which he said had struck more than 7,000 targets across Iran and its military infrastructure. Hegseth argued that despite criticism, the campaign was progressing as planned and degrading Tehran’s capabilities. To date, he said, American forces had applied what he described as overwhelming and precise force, with the largest strike package yet scheduled for later in the day.

“To date, we’ve struck over 7,000 targets across Iran and its military infrastructure. That is not incremental—that is overwhelming force applied with precision. And again today will be the largest strike package yet. Yet, just like yesterday, as I’ve said from day one, our capabilities continue to build while Iran’s continue to degrade. We’re hunting and striking—death and destruction from above,” he added.

Hegseth also accused parts of the US media of attempting to undermine the operation for political reasons.

“A dishonest and anti-Trump press will stop at nothing—we know this by now—to downplay progress, amplify every cost, and call every step into question. Sadly, TDS [Trump Derangement Syndrome] is in their DNA. They want President Trump to fail. But you, the American people, know better,” he said.

He stressed that there was no fixed timeline for ending the campaign, saying the decision would rest with the president.

“Ultimately, it will be the president’s decision when we say, ‘We’ve achieved what we need to on behalf of the American people to ensure our security.’ So, no—there is no set timeline. But we are very much on track. Absolutely,” he added.

Hegseth said several Gulf states had increased their engagement following Iranian attempts to strike civilian infrastructure, bringing them “squarely into our orbit.”

“The Gulf States have stepped up incredibly. In fact, Iran’s reckless attempt to strike civilian infrastructure and other targets has brought countries—who might not have been as fully engaged before—squarely into our orbit. We’re proud to be defending alongside them and standing with them. You name it—UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia—and others who have been right there with us. And we are grateful for that kind of support,” he said.

Hegseth added that while Iran continued to launch attacks, its operational capacity was diminishing under sustained US strikes.

Also speaking at the briefing, General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said US aircraft were flying deeper into Iranian airspace to target one-way attack systems and maritime threats in the Strait of Hormuz.

“We’re now flying further east and penetrating deeper into Iranian airspace to hunt and destroy one-way attack systems. The A-10 Warthog is now engaged across the southern flank, targeting fast attack watercraft in the Strait of Hormuz. In addition, AH-64 Apaches have joined the fight on the southern flank, continuing operations alongside allies—including missions to counter one-way attack drones,” Caine said.

By Sabina Mammadli