Hegseth Vows US Will Finish War Against Iran
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has delivered a harsh war message against Iran during the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Standing at the Pentagon on Friday (11/9/2026), Hegseth promised that Washington would continue to strike Tehran until the war, which has lasted for more than six months, is concluded.
“We will finish this war,” Hegseth stated in his speech. This declaration serves as one of the clearest signals that President Donald Trump’s administration does not yet see a swift exit from the conflict with Iran, despite the war causing increasing military and economic pressure.
Hegseth spoke alongside Trump during a ceremony commemorating nearly 3,000 people killed in the Al-Qaeda attacks on September 11, 2001. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, former National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, victims’ families, survivors, and emergency responders were also in attendance.
However, the anniversary, which usually focuses on the 9/11 victims, this time transformed into a platform for the Trump administration to explain and defend the war against Iran. Trump and Hegseth explicitly linked the current conflict to the war on terror launched by Washington following the 2001 attacks.
“There are still enemies who hate us,” Hegseth said. He stated that US enemies are still attempting to limit Washington’s power and kill Americans, meaning, according to him, the US has no choice but to remain vigilant.
Hegseth then directed his speech towards Iran. He claimed that US forces over the past six months have “devastated” the nation he described as the world’s most productive sponsor of terrorism.
“Our forces have fought an Islamic theocracy that has desired our death for almost half a century,” he said. Hegseth also accused Iran of supporting attacks against American personnel for decades, including in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Hegseth used much more aggressive language when describing US military operations. He claimed that Washington has killed Iranian leaders and destroyed much of the country’s air force, navy, and air defence capabilities.
These claims must be placed within the context of a war that has yet to end. Although Iran’s military capabilities have taken a heavy blow, Iran is still capable of attacking US targets and disrupting shipping in the region. Recent reports even indicate that Tehran continues to launch missiles at American warships and US assets in the area.
Hegseth himself acknowledged that military operations are still ongoing. Using harsh language, he stated that the US continues to send “terrorists to hell” and sink tankers that Washington believes are linked to Iranian activities.
He also emphasised that one of the primary objectives of the war remains unchanged: preventing Iran from possessing nuclear weapons. According to Hegseth, economic pressure on Tehran will continue to be tightened alongside military operations.