“I Think Israel Did A Great Job”: US Secretary Of War Pete Hegseth On Khamenei Death

Tensions in West Asia have intensified after the United States and Israel carried out coordinated military operations targeting Iran. The development comes amid growing regional instability, with military leaders confirming a large-scale joint action involving multiple branches of the American armed forces.

Political commentator and former US Army officer Pete Hegseth reacted strongly to reports surrounding Iran's leadership and the ongoing confrontation, publicly backing Israel's actions.

Hegseth Backs Israel's Actions

Reacting to developments linked to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Hegseth said, "I think Israel did a great job."

His remarks come as the confrontation between Israel and Iran moves beyond covert hostilities into open military engagement involving direct strikes and defensive operations across the region.

US Confirms Joint Military Operation

The United States military formally acknowledged the operation through General Dan "Raizin" Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He confirmed that Washington authorised a coordinated strike alongside Israel.

Caine stated, "On Saturday, 28 February at 0115 Eastern Standard Time, 945 a.m. local Tehran time. On the orders of the President of the United States, US Central Command, under the command of United States Navy Admiral Brad Cooper, commenced Operation Epic Fury."

He also expressed condolences to personnel affected in the fighting, "First, I want to express my deep condolences and the condolences of the Joint Force to the Department of War personnel killed and wounded in actions thus far..."

Unprecedented Multi-Force Coordination

According to the US military, the operation involved nearly every branch of American defence forces in coordination with Israeli forces, marking one of the largest joint efforts in recent years.

Caine explained, "On February 28th, the full strength of America's armed forces came together in a unified purpose against a capable and determined adversary. The United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and our reserve components began coordinated operations with the Israeli Armed Forces on an unprecedented scale."

Objectives: Contain Iran's Regional Reach

US officials say the campaign aims to prevent Iran from expanding military influence across West Asia while protecting American and allied personnel in the region.

Caine added, "As the Secretary laid out, our military objectives are clear. Our mission is to protect and defend ourselves and together with our regional partners, prevent Iran from the ability to project power outside of its borders and be ready for follow-on actions as appropriate..."

The operation signals a significant shift from proxy confrontations to open coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv, raising concerns among international observers about a wider regional conflict.