Trump says the war will end; U.S. Defense Secretary says he has no comment

Although U.S. President Trump said the war with Iran would end “soon,” U.S. Secretary of Defense Hagel on the 10th refused to make any judgment, saying he “has no authority to declare whether it is the beginning, ongoing, or ending.” Hagel held a press conference at the Pentagon with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dempsey. When asked about the current status of the Iran conflict, he responded that it is Trump’s decision, “He can control the pace. He is the ultimate decision-maker.”

Hagel emphasized that the U.S. and Israel have three main military objectives in this joint operation: to destroy Iran’s missile storage, missile launch sites, defense industrial bases, and missile manufacturing capabilities; to destroy Iran’s navy; and to permanently deprive Iran of its right to possess nuclear weapons. He stated, “Today will be the day we launch the most intense strikes again inside Iran,” with fighter jets, bombers, and strike operations reaching the highest levels.

When asked about escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz, Hagel said the U.S. will consider various conditions and develop appropriate plans based on specific situations. He stressed that if Iran takes any action to block oil transportation through the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. will respond with even greater force.

On the 9th, Trump said at a press conference in Miami, Florida, that the U.S. military action against Iran would “end very soon.” When asked if it might end this week, Trump replied, “No.”

Iranian Parliament Speaker Larijani on the 10th said Iran “will never seek a ceasefire” and must resolutely respond to the “aggressors.” According to Iranian media on the 10th, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Garib Abadi stated that Iran’s current priority is only “decisive defense,” and “the cessation of war is in Iran’s hands.” (Xinhua)