Hegseth insists the Iran conflict is ‘not endless’ while warning more casualties are likely

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has spoken to widening concerns the U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran could spiral into a protracted regional conflict by declaring, “This is not Iraq. This is not endless.” Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine on Monday held the Trump administration’s first news briefing since Saturday’s (Feb. 28, 2026) strikes. Trump, Hegseth and Caine haven’t suggested any exit plan or offered signs the conflict would end anytime soon. They’ve said more American casualties are likely following the deaths of four service members. Hegseth says the operation is meant to eliminate the threat of Iranian ballistic missiles, destroy the country’s navy and ensure “no nukes.”