Pete Hegseth: The 60 Minutes Interview
In a Nutshell
In a 60 Minutes interview, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth details Operation Epic Fury's progress against Iran, with US and Israeli forces striking 3,000 targets using conventional bombs, demanding unconditional surrender to neutralize Iran's nuclear ambitions and 47-year history of anti-US aggression, triggered by confirmed intelligence on Ali Hami. He addresses casualties (7 US deaths, 600+ Iranian including a probed school strike), denies ground troops inside Iran, dismisses Russian intel aid to Iran, and vows to secure the Strait of Hormuz amid stalled oil shipments and ally munitions support. Trump prioritizes American interests without pursuing regime change or nation-building, stiffening resolve to win decisively.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
With US and Israeli strikes on Iran in their second week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is interviewed. Pentagon reports more than 50,000 US military members involved in Operation Epic Fury. CBS News colleague Major Garrett spoke with Hegseth about the war with Iran.
US military struck 3,000 targets inside Iran by Friday. Speaker of the House said, "The mission is nearly accomplished by all estimates." Hegseth: We're on track, on plan. Visited CENTCOM yesterday. Not flying a "mission accomplished" banner like George W. Bush on an aircraft carrier. This is not a fair fight on purpose. US and Israeli Defense Forces air forces are the two most powerful in the world. Using conventional munitions, gravity bombs (500 lb, 1,000 lb, 2,000 lb) on military targets. That effort of the campaign hasn't even really begun.
President said no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender. Hegseth: Means fighting to win, setting the terms. We'll know when they're not capable of fighting, combat ineffective. They will have no choice but to surrender. Surrender can happen in different ways, whether they admit it or not. President Trump will set the terms. Iran president said US demand for unconditional surrender is "a dream that they should take to their grave."
Iran-Iraq war lasted almost 8 years without surrender. Hegseth references long fights in Iraq and Afghanistan with foolish approaches. This is war, bringing enemy to their knees. Whether they have a ceremony in Tehran Square to surrender is up to them.
Varying versions of how war started. Some Trump supporters criticize that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pulled US into war not prioritizing American interests. Hegseth: In the room every day, Trump puts America, Americans, American interests first.
Israelis provided key intelligence on February 23 about whereabouts of Ali Hami and inner circle. US CIA checked and confirmed. Precipitating factor for war. Hegseth: Trump's approach advances US interests. Intelligence always checked by US agencies. Operations often trigger-based or condition-based. US controlled whether to go, to advance American interests and protect lives.
Some see it as opportunity more than imminent threat. Hegseth: Silly and academic. Iran killing US for 47-48 years, unabated nuclear ambitions. Obliterated nuclear program at end of 12-day war in Operation Midnight Hammer. They should have come to table, but haven't. Trump sees generational threat.
Despite claim of obliterating Iran's nuclear infrastructure in June, international monitors estimate Iran has more than 970 lbs of nearly bomb-grade uranium. Possible to achieve Trump's objectives without locating, obtaining, extracting it? Hegseth: Many ways to get after that. Used conventional missile umbrella to cover nuclear ambitions. Will ensure nuclear ambitions never achieved. Won't specify options like taking it out ourselves.
Won't reveal boots on ground, timelines, or limits. Trump and Hegseth know; don't tell enemy, press, or anybody. Willing to go as far as needed to succeed. No overt or covert forces inside Iran now—still the answer, though reserve right to any option.
CBS sources: Russia providing intelligence to Iran on US positions and movements. Hegseth: Tracking everything. Best intelligence in world, aware of communications, accuracy, factored into CENTCOM battle plans. Trump mitigates risks. Confronting anything improper strongly, directly or indirectly. Unique relationship with world leaders to get things done.
Doesn't put US in more danger. US putting others in danger. Mitigate as needed. Only Iranians who think they're going to live need to worry.
Six US Army reservists killed in Iranian drone attack in Kuwait last Sunday. Trump and Hegseth attended dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base yesterday. One more service member death announced today. President right: casualties expected, more to come. Seeing Americans in caskets stiffens resolve to finish the fight.
More than 600 Iranians killed, including 168 people, mostly children, at a school in southern Iran during US attack. Investigating US involvement. Unlike adversaries, US never targets civilians. Report of likely US involvement from two officials: investigating, only answer prepared to give.
Iran announced son of slain leader to replace him. Trump: Any leader without his approval "not going to last long." Not a regime change war like George W. Bush context with hundreds of thousands of troops. Not remaking Iranian society into Jeffersonian democracy like failed Afghanistan approach. American people rejected that. Trump called those wars dumb; not fighting that way.
Trump wants to protect some who could come to power. Not a new mission. Best protection is current US and Israeli efforts, creating generational opportunity for Iranian people.
Iran launched missiles and drones at nearly dozen Middle Eastern countries, including allies Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia. Allies low on interceptors. Hegseth: Very prepared to help restock, planned for it. Admiral Cooper, CENTCOM commander: Iranian missile projection down 90%. Munitions projections well beyond needs; can crossload to allies after ensuring US forces first.
Oil shipments through Strait of Hormuz (20% of world's oil) stalled since war began. US gas prices up 50 cents/gallon. Trump: Strait will be taken care of. Hegseth: Taking care of it with American firepower. Iranian Navy largely no more, more boats to sink. Naval power projection diminishing. This is only the beginning.
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