Bigger bombs, sir: Pete Hegseth recalls US troops' demand during secret Gulf visit

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday revealed details of a covert visit to American troops in the Middle East, saying that forces on the ground are seeking larger and more powerful bombs against Iran. He said he spent several hours at CENTCOM on March 28 but did not disclose specific locations due to operational security concerns.

Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth said he visited forces involved in Operation Epic Fury over the weekend. “We were on the ground in CENTCOM on Saturday for about half the day. For reasons of operational security – so those troops are not targeted – the places and bases will not be named,” he said.

Recalling a moment from the visit, Hegseth said a junior airman gave him a blunt message when asked what troops needed. “She looked up with a smile and said, ‘More bombs, sir, and bigger bombs,’” he said, adding, “We will happily oblige her.”

“Nobody asked for better equipment or to be sent home. What they said was – ‘let’s finish the mission... more bombs, bigger bombs and more targets,’” he noted.

Hegseth also emphasised the urgency among troops to “finish the job,” saying many conveyed their determination to end the conflict decisively. “'Please thank the president from us.' That’s what I heard time and again,” he added.

He said the demand reflected a broader sentiment across the ranks. “I spoke to all ranks and all services. It was not rehearsed or scripted. What I witnessed was motivation,” he said.

“I witnessed warriors – a brotherhood of men and women, warriors all. Active duty, Guard, and Reserve. United in their love for each other, their shared purpose, and their commitment to the mission,” he said.

Highlighting recent battlefield developments, the Defence Secretary claimed that US strikes have begun to reduce Iranian attacks. “The last 24 hours saw the lowest number of enemy missiles and drones fired by Iran,” he said.

“These troops want to finish this fight for their kids and their grandkids. This is about history, this is about legacy,” he said.

Reiterating Washington’s position, Hegseth said the US is steadily increasing pressure on Iran.

“American firepower is only increasing. Iran’s decreasing. In just one month, we have set the terms,” he said, adding that the objective remains to ensure Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon.

Hegseth also said that Iran should agree to a deal to end the month-long war, while adding that the new Iranian regime led by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei should be wiser than the previous one.

Asked whether US ground forces could be deployed in the Iran war, Hegseth declined to rule out any option, saying, “You can’t fight and win a war if you tell your adversary what you are willing or not willing to do, including boots on the ground.”

TRUMP WARNS OF MORE STRIKES ON IRAN

On Monday, US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could escalate its offensive if a ceasefire is not reached soon and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. He said potential targets could include Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub and even critical infrastructure such as desalination plants.

The conflict, now in its 32nd day, began on February 28 when the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes under Operation Epic Fury after nuclear talks stalled.

The operation targeted multiple Iranian cities and killed several senior leaders, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since then, Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks on US bases and assets across the Gulf, targeting locations in Dubai, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Qatar.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned it will begin targeting major US technology and industrial companies from April 1 in retaliation for attacks on its territory, according to state media. It has named at least 18 firms, including Microsoft, Google, Apple, Intel, IBM, Tesla and Boeing, saying their operations in the region could be treated as potential targets.

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