US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the ongoing US operation in Iran is not intended to become an endless war. Speaking at a press conference at the Pentagon on March 2, 2026, he did not rule out the possibility of deploying American ground forces to Iran in the future. Hegseth confirmed that there are currently no US ground troops in Iran.

He emphasized that Washington will go as far as necessary to protect American interests but declined to specify what actions might be taken, saying it would be unwise to reveal such plans to adversaries. According to Hegseth, the main objectives of the US operation are to destroy Iran’s missile and naval capabilities and to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

The defense secretary further clarified that the situation in Iran is not comparable to Iraq and reiterated that the conflict will not be an open-ended engagement. The remarks were reported by Reuters.

United States President Donald Trump said on Monday that the war against Iran, launched jointly with Israel, was initially projected to last four to five weeks but could continue much longer if necessary. Speaking from the White House, he described Iran as posing grave threats to the US and claimed that earlier American strikes had obliterated Iran’s nuclear programme. Trump also asserted that Iran’s ballistic missile programme was expanding rapidly, creating what he called a colossal threat to US forces and allies.

Trump’s remarks marked a shift from earlier claims of an immediate Iranian threat, instead portraying Tehran as a long-term danger. He argued that Iran’s missile development was designed to protect its nuclear ambitions, which he said were forbidden by the US. The president’s comments came as the Pentagon confirmed rising casualties, including four US military deaths, and regional fatalities exceeding 580 across Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and other Middle Eastern countries.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth sought to reassure critics within Trump’s political base, describing the campaign as a decisive mission rather than an open-ended conflict. He emphasized goals to destroy Iran’s missile and naval capabilities and prevent nuclear weapons development.

The United States and Israel continued joint airstrikes in Iran for a third consecutive day on Saturday, prompting Iranian counterattacks. On Monday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated at a Pentagon press conference that the ongoing operation in Iran is not an 'endless war.' He emphasized that the mission’s main objectives are to destroy Iran’s missile and naval capabilities and to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

The statement came amid escalating regional tensions following the strikes. Hegseth underscored that the situation in Iran differs from the US experience in Iraq, suggesting a limited scope for the current campaign. Meanwhile, other developments include the death of a Kuwaiti naval officer, NATO’s declaration that it will not engage in the conflict, and Spain’s refusal to allow its bases to be used for attacks on Iran.

Former US President Donald Trump was cited as saying the conflict could last about a month, indicating expectations of a short-term but intense confrontation.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that only one in four Americans supported the joint US-Israeli strike in Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The survey, conducted while the operation was ongoing, found that 27 percent of respondents backed the attack, 43 percent opposed it, and 29 percent were uncertain. Nearly nine in ten participants said they had at least heard something about the strike, which began early Saturday.

According to the poll, 56 percent of Americans believe President Donald Trump is too eager to use military force to protect US interests. Among Democrats, 87 percent shared this view, compared with 23 percent of Republicans and 60 percent of independents. Within Trump’s party, 55 percent supported the strike, while 13 percent opposed it. However, 42 percent of Republicans said their support could decline if US troops were killed or injured.

The report noted that three US soldiers have been killed and five seriously wounded so far, as the attack has triggered a new and uncertain conflict in the Middle East.

Authorities in Cyprus evacuated the passenger terminal of Paphos Airport after radar detected a suspicious object, according to the country’s state broadcaster. The airport, located on the island’s western coast, is under the control of the Republic of Cyprus and lies about 60 kilometers from Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF) Akrotiri base.

The evacuation followed a drone attack the previous night targeting the Akrotiri base. Around midday local time on Monday, sirens were heard at the British base and fighter jets were seen taking off. Officials have not released further details about the suspicious object detected near Paphos Airport.

No additional information was immediately available regarding the nature or origin of the object, and authorities have not confirmed any link between the radar detection and the earlier drone incident.

In an interview with CNN on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump said that the largest attack on Iran had not yet been launched. Speaking to host Jake Tapper, Trump described the ongoing military campaign as extremely powerful and claimed that the United States was using the world’s best armed forces. He added that the most significant wave of strikes was still to come and would happen very soon.

When asked how long the war might continue, Trump estimated it could last about one month, emphasizing that he did not want it to be prolonged. He said he had always thought it would last around four weeks. Trump also described Iran’s attack on Arab countries in the Middle East as a major surprise.

According to Trump, the United States had told Arab nations that it would handle the situation, but those countries were now eager to fight. He noted that their role was supposed to be limited, yet they were insisting on joining the conflict more aggressively.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that military strikes on Iran will continue until President Donald Trump is satisfied. According to Hegseth, only Trump can decide how long the operation will last, which could extend for two, four, or even six weeks, depending on circumstances. The statement was reported by CNN on March 2, 2026.

Hegseth and General Dan Kane, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the joint US-Israel operation will persist until Trump believes all its objectives have been achieved. The officials did not specify the exact goals or timeline of the campaign.

The report also noted related developments, including Iran’s leadership maintaining a firm stance following the death of Ayatollah Khamenei, a Kuwaiti naval officer’s death, NATO’s declaration that it will not engage in the Iran conflict, and Spain’s refusal to allow its bases to be used for the attacks.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed that there are currently no American ground troops deployed in Iran. Speaking on March 2, 2026, he stated that Washington remains prepared to take necessary measures to protect US interests if required, though such actions would not be taken recklessly. His remarks were reported by Al Jazeera.

Hegseth questioned the logic of publicly outlining potential military options, saying it would not be wise to reveal in advance what steps the United States might take to achieve its objectives. The statement underscored a cautious but firm stance from Washington amid ongoing regional tensions.

According to the report, Iran has not issued any immediate response to Hegseth’s comments.

A member of the US military who was critically injured in Iranian attacks has died, raising the total number of US military fatalities to four, according to an official statement from the United States. The announcement follows reports from the US Central Command, which earlier confirmed that three service members had been killed and five others seriously wounded.

The Central Command stated that the deceased soldier had sustained severe injuries during the Iranian assault and later succumbed to those wounds. The report did not specify the exact location or timing of the incident but linked the death directly to the ongoing hostilities involving Iran.

The situation underscores the continuing escalation between the United States and Iran, with related developments including the death of a Kuwaiti naval officer, NATO’s declaration that it will not engage in the conflict, and Spain’s refusal to allow its bases to be used for attacks on Iran.

Russia has called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East following joint US-Israel airstrikes on Iran that entered their third day on Saturday. The strikes, which Iran has been responding to, reportedly targeted several civilian areas, including a girls’ school where nearly a hundred people were killed on the first day. Moscow strongly condemned attacks on civilian targets and urged all sides to halt hostilities immediately.

In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that no attack on civilian targets, whether in Iran or Arab countries, can be justified. The ministry further stressed that diplomatic solutions, rather than military actions, should be pursued to de-escalate tensions in the region. The ongoing conflict has heightened international concern over the growing instability in the Middle East.

The statement reflects Russia’s position as tensions continue to rise, with global actors expressing alarm over the humanitarian toll and potential regional repercussions of the conflict.

Australia has confirmed it will not participate in the joint military operation by the United States and Israel against Iran. Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated in an interview with Australia’s Nine Network that the country has no plans to join the attack now or in the future. The statement was reported by Al Jazeera on Monday.

Relations between Australia and Iran have been tense in recent years. In 2025, Canberra expelled the Iranian ambassador following allegations that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard was linked to antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne, a claim Tehran has denied. Despite Australia’s history of joining US-led operations such as the Iraq war, the government has decided to distance itself from the current Iran conflict.

This decision underscores a shift in Australia’s approach to Middle East conflicts, signaling a more cautious stance in aligning with US military actions.

Inter Miami overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat Orlando City 4-2 in their second match of the new MLS season. After trailing 2-0 within the first 24 minutes, Lionel Messi led a stunning turnaround with two goals and an assist. The match, played on March 2, 2026, saw Miami recover from a poor start to the season following their opening loss to Los Angeles FC.

Coach Javier Mascherano’s tactical change proved decisive when he replaced defender Noah Allen with attacker Mateo Silvetti, who scored Miami’s first goal in the 49th minute. Messi equalized with a precise left-footed strike in the 57th minute, then assisted Talisco Segovia’s goal in the 85th minute before sealing the victory with a free-kick in stoppage time. The win marked Messi’s 70th career free-kick goal and brought his total career tally to 898.

Mascherano praised his team’s mental resilience, noting that Orlando is always a tough opponent. Inter Miami will next face DC United at Audi Field in Washington on Saturday, aiming to build on this momentum early in the season.

U.S. First Lady Melania Trump is set to preside over a United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday, marking the first time a First Lady will chair such a session. Her office stated that she will emphasize the role of education in promoting tolerance and advancing global peace. The announcement came shortly before the United States began military action against Iran.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed that this will be the first instance of a First Lady leading a Security Council meeting. The United States holds the rotating presidency of the Council for March. Melania Trump has previously engaged in diplomatic efforts, including advocating for the release of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

The development comes amid growing political and financial tensions between Washington and the United Nations. Analysts suggest President Donald Trump may be seeking to bypass the Council through his “Peace Abroad” initiative, which recently convened in Washington to discuss Gaza reconstruction funding.

More than 115,000 Australian citizens are stranded across the Middle East after air routes were closed due to conflict sparked by U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, according to Australian authorities. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government hopes to repatriate citizens once commercial flights resume, as that would be the most feasible large-scale option.

Wong told reporters that the ongoing conflict has caused casualties and led to the closure of regional airspace, preventing both Australian and commercial flights from operating. The government is monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with airlines to assess when flights might restart. An online crisis portal has been launched for Australian citizens, permanent residents, and their close relatives in Israel, Iran, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to register for assistance.

Wong also commented on the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying the responsibility for explaining the U.S. and Israeli actions lies with those governments. She added that no one is mourning Khamenei’s death, describing his rule as one marked by brutality against his own people.

The US Department of Defense informed Congress that it found no clear evidence Iran had planned a preemptive strike against the United States before the recent joint US-Israel attack. According to a Reuters report, Pentagon officials told congressional staff in a closed-door meeting that Iran’s ballistic missile program and allied forces were viewed as immediate threats to US interests. However, they acknowledged that there was no specific intelligence indicating Tehran had planned to attack US forces in advance.

The report noted that officials from the Trump administration had previously claimed there were signs Iran might carry out a preemptive strike. The new Pentagon assessment has raised questions about the validity of those earlier claims.

The disclosure adds a new dimension to ongoing debates in Washington about the accuracy of intelligence assessments and the justification for military actions involving Iran.