Hegseth and Caine Brief on Iran War Developments
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine held a Thursday briefing on recent Iran war developments. It was their first public update since Israeli strikes killed Iran’s top security chief Ali Larijani and intelligence minister Esmail Khatib.
Scope of U.S. Operations
Hegseth said U.S. forces have struck more than 7,000 targets across Iran. He added strikes have targeted military infrastructure and industrial nodes.
Hegseth described the operation as Operation Epic Fury. He stressed it is not an “endless abyss” or a repeat of past quagmires.
Weapons and Tactics
Caine detailed the use of large penetrator munitions. He said 5,000-pound penetrator weapons were used against underground storage sites.
The sites reportedly stored coastal defense cruise weapons and supporting equipment. Caine said U.S. forces are penetrating deeper into Iranian airspace to hunt and kill.
Targets and Strike Patterns
Both leaders said the United States will continue to strike Iran’s industrial base. Hegseth announced that Thursday’s package would be the largest yet.
Officials emphasized sustained pressure on military and dual-use facilities. They framed the campaign as deliberate and focused.
Energy Infrastructure and Market Impact
Israeli strikes on Wednesday hit Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG terminal. Israel also struck the South Pars gas field, shared by Iran and Qatar.
Markets reacted quickly. Reuters reported U.S. crude futures rose above $97 per barrel. Brent crude climbed to $111.87 a barrel, up about 4 percent. Natural gas futures were up roughly 3 percent.
Political Reactions and Diplomatic Strains
President Trump posted that the U.S. “knew nothing about” Israel’s decision to strike South Pars. He warned there would be “NO MORE ATTACKS” unless Iran strikes Qatar.
Trump added that if Iran hits Qatar, the U.S. would “massively blow up” South Pars. The comments escalated tensions over regional energy targets.
Strait of Hormuz and Allied Responses
Trump urged other nations to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Some countries declined his demands, complicating the effort.
The strait has been effectively closed to U.S. and allied shipping. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said allies are discussing the best approach. U.K. military planners are working with the U.S. on options.
Intelligence Assessment
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told a Senate hearing the Iranian regime appears intact. She described its capabilities as largely degraded.
The assessment suggested leadership losses had not collapsed Tehran’s overall control.
Domestic Fallout and Investigations
The FBI is probing former National Counterterrorism Center director Joe Kent. Sources told CBS News the investigation concerns alleged leaks of classified information.
Kent resigned earlier this week, partly in protest of the administration’s handling of the conflict. Investigators say the probe began before his resignation.
Coverage and Further Reading
Filmogaz.com will continue to monitor the Hegseth and Caine brief on Iran war developments. Expect updated reporting as new details emerge.
