“Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, conduct a press conference at the Pentagon, April 16, 2026”
Media www.rajawalisiber.com – On April 16, 2026, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine held a press briefing at the Pentagon to provide updates on the ongoing conflict with Iran and the status of Operation Epic Fury
U.S. Central Command forces prepared to start clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, April 11, as two Navy destroyers conducted operations.
Military Readiness: Secretary Hegseth stated the U.S. military is “locked and loaded” to resume attacks on Iran’s energy facilities and electrical grid if diplomatic talks fail.
Key Briefing Highlights:
- Naval Blockade: The ongoing naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz was described by Hegseth as a “polite” measure during the current ceasefire, intended to pressure the Iranian regime toward a favorable settlement.
- Strategic Objectives: Gen. Caine confirmed that U.S. forces have already struck over 11,000 targets in Iran, significantly degrading their ability to project power and rebuild their drone and missile arsenals.
- Naval Blockade: The ongoing naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz was described by Hegseth as a “polite” measure during the current ceasefire, intended to pressure the Iranian regime toward a favorable settlement.
- Strategic Objectives: Gen. Caine confirmed that U.S. forces have already struck over 11,000 targets in Iran, significantly degrading their ability to project power and rebuild their drone and missile arsenals.
- Negotiations: The leaders urged the new Iranian regime to “choose wisely” as the two-week ceasefire, brokered following failed talks in Pakistan, is set to expire next week.
Context of the Conflict
* Regime Change Claims: The Trump administration has asserted that its operations have achieved “regime change,” though military analysts note that hard-line forces like the IRGC may still hold internal power.
* Casualties: Officials acknowledged U.S. casualties, including four service members killed since the start of major combat operations on February 28, and stated that troops are currently “rearming” during the pause.
* Operational Success: Hegseth praised the “historic success” and “incredible battlefield victory” of American troops, while criticizing media coverage for focusing on negative narratives.
Leadership Profiles
Official Role & Status (as of April 2026)
Pete Hegseth Secretary of War; sworn in Jan 25, 2025. The department was renamed from “Defense” to “War” on Sept 5, 2025.
Gen. Dan Caine Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; appointed April 11, 2025. An F-16 pilot and the first Air National Guardsman to hold the post.