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“There Is Nothing More America First Than Taking Out Terrorists Who Have Maimed and Killed Our Own Servicemen and Women, Who Chant ‘Death to America,’ and Who Pose a Threat to the Homeland,” — Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Praises Trump’s Action Against Iran

  • Rob Glenn
  • March 6, 2026

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt spoke to reporters outside the White House today, defending President Donald Trump’s ongoing Operation Epic Fury and outlining the administration’s objectives in the conflict with Iran. Leavitt emphasized the operation as a direct response to threats posed by the Iranian regime and its regional proxies, framing the strikes as an effort to protect U.S. troops, allies, and national security.

Leavitt outlined the measurable progress of Operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28 under the direction of the President. “The achievable objectives of Operation Epic Fury we expect to last about four to six weeks, and we are well on our way to achieving those objectives, annihilating Iran’s navy,” she said. According to Leavitt, more than 30 Iranian vessels have been sunk, rendering the navy “combat ineffective,” while ballistic missile threats have been reduced by 90% in the first six days.

Leavitt framed the operation as part of a broader national security strategy, stressing that the President had acted after extensive diplomatic efforts. “There is nothing more America first than taking out terrorists who have maimed and killed our own servicemen and women, who chant ‘Death to America,’ and who pose a threat to the homeland,” she said. She credited the United States military for executing the operation with precision and effectiveness.

She confirmed that the U.S. is “well on our way” to securing control of Iranian airspace, further underscoring the operation’s rapid pace.

Leavitt also linked the operation to Trump’s broader foreign policy principles, describing his approach as “peace through strength.” She emphasized that the President had sought diplomacy extensively before authorizing military action and characterized the current strikes as a demonstration of U.S. resolve and military capability.

Operation Epic Fury involves the largest regional concentration of American military force in a generation. U.S. and partner forces have targeted Iranian command and control facilities, air defenses, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields. CENTCOM reported successful defense against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks, with minimal damage to U.S. installations and no reported combat-related injuries. The operation has also employed new tactics, including one-way attack drones, and has mobilized a broad range of U.S. military assets from air, land, and sea.

Leavitt concluded by affirming the administration’s commitment to achieving the operation’s objectives and protecting the homeland. “President Trump has proven he’s a man of his word. When he has said that the Iranian regime can never obtain a nuclear bomb, well, now he’s finally acting on it,” she said, framing the military campaign as both a defensive and strategic measure.