U.S. Foreign Policy and War Powers

At a March 4 Pentagon briefing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth blasted media coverage as "fake news," saying the press highlights tragedies and leaks to make President Trump look bad while claiming U.S. and Israeli forces have "taken control" of Iranian airspace and waters without boots on the ground — though he acknowledged some missiles and drones still get through. Hegseth reiterated a three‑part mission to degrade Iran’s missile and drone capabilities, cripple its navy and prevent a nuclear weapon as Operation Epic Fury/ CENTCOM strikes have hit roughly 1,700–2,000 targets amid the largest U.S. regional buildup since 2003, with at least six American service members killed.