Hegseth Reveals Covert Visit to Troops in Iran War/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed a covert visit to U.S. troops in the Middle East. Troops requested faster operations and increased firepower in Operation Epic Fury. Hegseth said U.S. forces are operating at “wartime speed” against Iran.
Hegseth Operation Epic Fury Quick Looks
- Hegseth made covert visit to CENTCOM troops
- Troops operating at “wartime speed”
- Service members requested “more bombs”
- Operation Epic Fury targeting Iran nuclear threat
- Pentagon highlights weapons production surge
- Joint Chiefs praise industrial base support
- Trump administration pushing “peace through strength”
- Military pressure increases during diplomacy efforts
Deep Look: Hegseth Reveals Covert Visit to Troops Fighting in Operation Epic Fury
WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed Tuesday that he made a covert visit to U.S. troops in the Middle East, describing forces operating at “wartime speed” as they carry out military operations against Iran under Operation Epic Fury.
Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth said the unannounced trip allowed him to observe American service members in active combat environments and speak directly with troops about their needs and morale.
“I spoke to all ranks and all services, none of whom knew we were coming,” Hegseth said. “It was not rehearsed or scripted. What I witnessed was motivation. It was sheer mission focus. It was the American warrior unleashed.”
Troops Call for Faster Operations
Hegseth described conversations with personnel across multiple roles, including pilots, intelligence analysts, logistics crews and base security teams.
According to Hegseth, service members emphasized urgency and a desire to accelerate operations.
“To a man and to a woman… I heard ‘We want everything faster, higher up-tempo, wartime speed,’” Hegseth said.
He also recounted a conversation with a junior airman who requested increased firepower.
“She simply looked up… and said, ‘More bombs, sir, and bigger bombs,’” Hegseth said.
Hegseth responded: “We will happily oblige her.”
Operation Epic Fury Goals
Operation Epic Fury is aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, according to the Trump administration.
Hegseth emphasized that the mission is driven by long-term security goals.
“These troops want to finish this fight for their kids and their grandkids,” he said. “This is about history. This is about legacy.”
He added that U.S. military capabilities are expanding while Iran’s options are shrinking.
“American firepower is only increasing. Iran’s decreasing,” Hegseth said.
Joint Chiefs Highlight Industrial Support
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Dan Caine praised the role of the defense industrial base in supporting military operations.
Caine emphasized the importance of workers across the United States who produce weapons, equipment and logistics support.
“In every military option, we could not do our jobs without the men and women… who build the weapons and capabilities we need,” Caine said.
He highlighted factory workers, engineers and technicians contributing to military readiness.
Diplomacy and Military Pressure
The Pentagon’s remarks come as the Trump administration continues diplomatic efforts alongside military operations.
Hegseth urged Iran to negotiate, warning that military pressure would intensify if talks fail.
“If Iran is wise, they will cut a deal,” Hegseth said. “President Trump doesn’t bluff and he does not back down.”
He added that the administration remains open to a diplomatic solution but will continue military operations if necessary.
Faith and Troop Support
Hegseth concluded his remarks with a prayer for service members deployed in the Middle East.
“May God watch over all of them each day and each night,” he said.
The comments follow broader messaging from the administration emphasizing morale, faith and national unity during wartime operations.
Growing Military Momentum
Hegseth described the visit as evidence of growing momentum in Operation Epic Fury.
“Just one month… we set the terms,” he said.
The Pentagon continues to deploy additional resources and maintain pressure as the conflict with Iran enters its second month.
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