US Defense Secretary: Iran is currently experiencing its weakest military phase ever

Washington, July 21 (KUNA) — U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth affirmed on Tuesday that Iran is currently experiencing the weakest military phase it has ever witnessed, but it “still possesses capabilities.” Hegseth’s remarks came during a congressional hearing that also featured U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, and focused on the administration of President Donald Trump’s request for an additional $67 billion to help cover the costs of the conflict with Iran and replenish vital military stockpiles, as well as a request for $1.5 trillion in funding for the Department of Defense operations in the upcoming fiscal year.

In his opening statement, Hegseth said, “Be assured that every dollar allocated to the Department of Defense will be directed toward enhancing the lethal combat capabilities of our joint forces and securing peace through strength.” He clarified that the additional request “includes $21 billion to bolster readiness,” noting that one use of the extra funding is “to replace much of the equipment used during recent operations,” referring to U.S. strikes against Iran.

Assessing the results of U.S. military operations against Iran, Hegseth stated, “Iran is currently going through the weakest military phase it has ever experienced. I have no doubt that it still possesses capabilities, but the damage we have inflicted upon it throughout this series of operations has placed it in its worst position ever.”

For his part, Caine pointed out that the U.S. armed forces need up to $1.5 trillion to address future military challenges, emphasizing that “it is absolutely essential that we stay one step ahead of our adversaries and that we secure the necessary funding before it is too late.” He stressed that Americans must “recognize that the nature of war is changing; technological progress is causing a profound and irreversible transformation in our combat methods, which necessitates providing the financial resources to properly equip the U.S. military.” (End) R.S.R. / R.J.