Hegseth says US won’t get ‘bogged down’ in Iran – but doesn’t rule out sending troops

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Andrew Roth and Joseph Gedeon in WashingtonMarch 2, 2026 at 05:15 PM

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Following joint US-Israeli strikes in Iran, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated the US aims to destroy Iran's navy, ballistic missile production, and nuclear weapon capabilities. Hegseth indicated the US does not plan to pursue a democratic transition in Iran and avoided providing a timeline for the operation, while emphasizing the US would not get "bogged down." President Trump stated he wouldn't rule out sending ground troops "if they were necessary." General Dan Caine, Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the US has established air superiority over Iran, but expects additional losses and that the operation will not be quick. These remarks are the first from US officials since the strikes began, which killed Iran's Supreme Leader.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Iraq 30% New York Post 30% Ayatollah Ali Khamenei 40% Joint Chiefs of Staff 40% Israel 40% Gen Dan Caine 50% Pentagon ×250% Donald Trump ×470% Pete Hegseth ×480% United States ×1090% Iran ×1195%

Keywords

iran 100% us military operation 80% ground troops 70% military intervention 70% ballistic missiles 60% air strikes 60% air superiority 50% nuclear weapon 40%