US Backed by Israel: Washington's Latest Pretext for Military Attack on Iran
A brutal and lethal attack by Israel and the United States against Iran on Saturday, 28 February, has shocked the world.
The head of the US Air Force Joint Staff, General Dan Caine, outlined the objectives of the combined US-Israel operation against Iran. “Our mission is to protect ourselves and our regional partners, prevent Iran from the ability to project power beyond its borders, and prepare for further action as appropriate,” he said at a press conference in Washington on Monday, 2 March.
He also stated that the combined US-Israel operation in Iran is not an “overnight mission” and anticipated additional losses on the US side. This statement was made at a Pentagon press conference on Tuesday. “We will seek to minimise US casualties, but as the secretary general stated, this is a major combat operation,” Caine said.
It was previously reported that four US military personnel were killed in this operation. Responding to the situation, US Defence Secretary Hegseth stressed that the attack on Iran was conducted with precision and ferocity, but the operation would not turn into an endless war. Hegseth also acknowledged that the operation would indeed result in casualties and urged Iranian citizens to take advantage of the “extraordinary opportunity,” described as a message from President Donald Trump, which emphasised that “now is your time.”
Furthermore, Hegseth conveyed a warning to Iranian security forces to carefully consider their next steps, whilst emphasising that Washington is committed to a measured military strategy. The US instructed citizens and mission personnel in Iraq to take shelter due to threats from pro-Iran militias. Tensions have increased in Lebanon, with Israel attacking Hizbullah targets in Beirut.
General Dan Caine stated that the combined US-Israel operation in Iran is not an overnight mission and anticipated additional losses for US forces.
Diego Garcia military base, owned by Britain and the US, is located in the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean, approximately 2,000 kilometres south of Sumatra.
US President Donald Trump criticised British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for being slow to approve the use of Diego Garcia base for military operations against Iran.
Iranian forces shot down 10 advanced drones, bringing the total to 22.