US Asserts Air Dominance Over Iran, But Acknowledges Some Attacks May Still Hit Targets

Defense Secretary Hegseth says US has enhanced air defenses, but warns conflict could last 8 weeks or longer

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged that the US may not be able to stop every Iranian air attack, even as he asserted that US military superiority is quickly giving it control of Iranian airspace. Hegseth said the US has 'spared no expense or capability' to enhance air defense systems to protect American forces and allies in the Middle East, but warned that US service members 'remain in harm's way' and that additional casualties are expected in a conflict that could last months.

Why it matters

The comments from Hegseth and other top US officials highlight the challenges the US faces in fully neutralizing the Iranian air threat, even as it seeks to assert dominance over Iranian airspace. The acknowledgement that some Iranian attacks may still hit their targets raises concerns about the potential for continued US casualties in the widening regional conflict.

The details

Hegseth said the US has 'ensured that the maximum possible defense and maximum possible force protection was set up before we went on offense.' However, he acknowledged that 'this does not mean we can stop everything' and that 'the risk is still high' for US service members. The comments came after an Iranian drone strike killed six US soldiers at a civilian port in Kuwait, underscoring the vulnerability of US forces in the region. Hegseth also signaled the conflict could last longer than previously suggested, saying it could last 8 weeks or more.

  • On Sunday, an Iranian drone strike hit an operations center in Kuwait, killing six US soldiers.
  • This week, President Trump said the campaign against Iran was likely to last 4-5 weeks, but that he was prepared to go 'far longer than that'.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The US Defense Secretary who acknowledged that some Iranian air attacks may still hit their targets, even as he asserted US military superiority over Iranian airspace.

Dan Caine

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who said US service members 'remain in harm's way' and that additional casualties are expected in the conflict with Iran.

Donald Trump

The US President, who said the campaign against Iran was likely to last 4-5 weeks but that he was prepared to go 'far longer than that'.

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What they’re saying

“This does not mean we can stop everything, but we ensured that the maximum possible defense and maximum possible force protection was set up before we went on offense.”

— Pete Hegseth, Defense Secretary (wbal.com)

“U.S. service members 'remain in harm's way, and we must be clear-eyed that the risk is still high'.”

— Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (wbal.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.