US Defense Official Admits Iran Missiles Cannot Reach US Mainland Amid Ongoing Conflict

One month after the conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel began, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth made a startling admission during a press conference on Tuesday. He stated that Iran’s ballistic missiles do not have the capability to strike the US mainland directly.

Hegseth’s statement contradicts previous White House claims that portrayed Iran as an “imminent threat,” significantly softening that narrative. He explained that Iran’s missiles primarily pose a threat to US assets and allies in the Middle East. The United States is currently providing the protection alone, which is why President Donald Trump has urged European allies to take a more active role.

“These missiles do not even reach the United States; they are confined to our allies’ territories. Yet when additional support is requested, all we see from them is hesitation or questions,” Hegseth said.

Meanwhile, Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social to address the United Kingdom, urging them to “show courage and take control of the Strait of Hormuz.”

Since Iran began attacks on February 28, Washington has maintained control of the situation, according to Hegseth. He added that Iran currently has very limited military options.

Despite the US’s strategic position, questions remain about why NATO assistance is being sought. A major factor is the rising cost of fuel, with average gasoline prices in the United States exceeding four dollars per gallon. Lowering fuel prices was a key campaign promise for Trump, making this a significant political pressure point.

Iran has currently blocked the Strait of Hormuz for tankers associated with the US and Israel, causing volatility in the global oil market.

Hegseth claimed that US strikes have weakened Iran’s military morale and led to defections among Iranian personnel. He also stated that Iran has launched the fewest drones and missiles in the past 24 hours since the conflict began.

However, security experts have disputed this assessment. They note that Iran has been launching drones and missiles at roughly the same rate over the past 20 days, and attacks in recent days have slightly increased compared to early March. Experts also point out that Iran’s strikes are becoming more precise and sophisticated.

In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement on Tuesday, warning that they will directly target 18 US-based corporations in the Middle East. Iran claims these companies are directly involved in Washington’s “terrorist activities.”