US Defense Secretary Acknowledges Limits to Stopping Iranian Attacks

Hegseth says US has enhanced air defenses but can't stop everything Iran fires

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged that the US may not be able to stop all Iranian air attacks, even as he asserted US military superiority over Iran's airspace. Hegseth said the US has taken extensive measures to protect American forces and allies, but warned that some Iranian drone or missile strikes could still cause damage and harm to troops. The comments come as the US and Israel continue a widening conflict with Iran that could last months.

Why it matters

The admission that the US cannot stop all Iranian attacks highlights the ongoing risks to US forces and allies in the region, even as the US claims air dominance. It also suggests the conflict with Iran may be more protracted than initially expected, with potential for further escalation and casualties on both sides.

The details

Hegseth told reporters at the Pentagon that the US has "spared no expense or capability" to enhance air defense systems, but said "This does not mean we can stop everything." He said the US has set up "maximum possible defense and maximum possible force protection" before going on the offensive against Iran. However, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned that US service members "remain in harm's way, and we must be clear-eyed that the risk is still high." Hegseth also signaled the conflict could last 8 weeks or more, saying "Ultimately, we set the pace and the tempo. The enemy is off balance, and we're going to keep them off balance."

  • On Sunday, an Iranian drone strike hit an operations center in Kuwait, killing 6 US soldiers.
  • The US and Israel launched attacks against Iran in a widening regional conflict in recent days.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The current US Secretary of Defense, appointed by President Donald Trump.

Gen. Dan Caine

The current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest-ranking and senior-most military officer in the United States Armed Forces.

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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, US Secretary of Defense (ksgf.com)

“US 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 (ksgf.com)

“Ultimately, we set the pace and the tempo. The enemy is off balance, and we're going to keep them off balance.”

— Pete Hegseth, US Secretary of Defense (ksgf.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.