US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed that Iran possesses long-strike capabilities, marking a significant assessment of regional military threats. Hegseth revealed that defensive assets were deployed to the region ahead of the conflict with Iran. This acknowledgment comes as tensions escalate in the Middle East, with the Pentagon actively preparing for potential confrontations.

General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, provided additional details about the situation. Caine reported that three US Air Force F-15 Strike Eagles were lost in the region, though he clarified they were not downed by hostile enemy fire. The circumstances surrounding these aircraft losses remain under investigation.

The Pentagon officials spoke during a briefing that highlighted the growing complexity of US military operations in the region. Their statements underscore the heightened state of alert and the serious nature of potential threats posed by Iran's military capabilities. The confirmation of Iran's long-range strike abilities could have significant implications for US defense strategy and regional security planning.