“We are once again turning to Congress and our people to ensure that we are adequately funded. It takes money to kill bad people,” Hegseth said.
The request for massive spending is likely to be met with resistance from anti-war politicians. The amount Hegseth is talking about would significantly increase the costs of Operation Epic Fury.
So far, the US military is limited to massive airstrikes against Iran. Now the war started by the US and Israel may enter a new phase – creating further threats to the world order. Why is the Pentagon talking about such huge resources? There is a scenario at stake that could involve Americans being embroiled in another “endless” war.
The amount Hegseth is talking about could be necessary to increase production of key weapons systems that have been used in U.S. and Israeli attacks on thousands of targets over the past three weeks.
During the press conference, Hegseth lashed out at critics, especially the media.
“The media — not all, but most — want after just 19 days of conflict to create the impression that we are sinking into a bottomless pit, eternal war or a swamp,” Hegseth said. “Nothing could be further from the truth.”
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For Hegseth, everything is going according to plan. The United States won a “decisive victory,” the Secretary of War said, striking a powerful blow to Iran's missile arsenal and navy, including its submarines.
However, it is not known when the war may end – Hegseth decided to remain silent on this topic. Instead, he made it clear who had the final say on ending the conflict: the decision to end it “will ultimately be made by the president.”
Already 10 days ago, Donald Trump announced that the war was “virtually over” and called it a “short campaign.” Since then, however, the United States and Israel have continued their airstrikes. Hegseth added that the United States was “very well on track” to achieving its war goals.
US war goals remain unchanged [choć pojawiają się wątpliwości, czy administracja Trumpa ma konkretną strategię]: destroying missile launchers, the arms industry and the navy, and above all: preventing Iran from ever acquiring nuclear weapons. The message is clear – Washington will not back down.
“Ungrateful” Europeans
Hegseth had particularly harsh words for European governments. He says they have largely ignored Trump's request for support in the Strait of Hormuz — just now, when navigation through the vital oil route is at risk due to Iranian attacks.
Satellite image of the Strait of HormuzGallo Images/Orbital Horizon/Copernicus Sentinel Data 2025 / Contributor / Getty Images
“The world, the Middle East, our ungrateful allies in Europe, and even some of our own press should say one thing to President Trump: thank you,” the US secretary of war said reproachfully.
At the same time, the EU heads of state and government are meeting in Brussels – and they are taking a completely different tone. Several politicians strongly condemn the war. For example, Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob made it clear: “The situation in Iran is unacceptable. We must do everything to protect energy infrastructure and end this senseless war as quickly as possible.”
Meanwhile, experts fear that the conflict with Iran will deepen.
– It's them [Irańczycy] they decide how long we will be involved – and they decide whether we will send soldiers into the field – admits a person close to the White House who wished to remain anonymous in a frank conversation with POLITICO (Onet's partner). People close to Trump interviewed by POLITICO journalists fear that sending American soldiers to conduct ground operations in the war with Iran may prolong the conflict and entangle the Americans in an even more difficult situation.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
