Iran’s large-scale retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli targets in the region caught US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by surprise. This was reported by Time magazine on Thursday, March 2, citing sources.
According to the post, the Pentagon expected a restrained response from Tehran, but Iran attacked countries that had long been considered closed to attacks, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
“Hegseth was among those stunned by Iran’s attacks… He expected the Iranians to retaliate, but when they started attacking almost the entire region, it occurred to him: ‘Wow, we’re really into this,'” he said. material.
Earlier, journalists from CNN expressed the opinion that the US authorities will collapse if Iran continues to retain control over the Strait of Hormuz at the end of the military conflict.
According to American media reports, the Pentagon is preparing for a ground operation against Iran, which may last several weeks or “a few months.” It will include raids that will be carried out in conjunction with conventional infantry units.