Riyadh is angry about Iran’s “sustained campaign of aggression against the Kingdom, fellow GCC and other nations, cautioning that continued escalation would ultimately devastate Iran itself."

Asked whether Operation Epic Fury was opportunistic or pushed by Israel, Hegseth said that “we [the US] were always controlling the throttle about whether or not we go or not go. And ultimately, to advance American interests and protect American lives.”

“I think much of that discussion is silly and academic. They’ve [Iran’s regime] been killing us for 48 years, 47 years. They have unabated nuclear ambitions.”

He added that after Israel and the US “obliterated” their nuclear program in June 2025, he believes Iran should’ve come to negotiate then, “and they haven’t.”