Pete Hegseth Addresses Possible Refugee Surge Following US Military Action In Iran

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Thursday that the United States has no plans to admit a new wave of Middle Eastern refugees as the conflict with Iran unfolds.

President Donald Trump announced in a Truth Social video early Saturday that the U.S. military launched Operation Epic Fury alongside Israel’s Operation Lion’s Roar. During a press briefing about the Iran attack, a reporter asked whether the Trump administration had safeguards in place to prevent a surge of refugees entering the United States.

“I‘m wondering if there‘s any safeguards put in place to make sure that the American people aren‘t having to have another wave of refugees?” one reporter asked.

WATCH:

“I think it‘s safe to say there‘s no plan for a wave of new Middle Eastern refugees to the United States of America. I think, as the president has pointed out for a long time, there are a lot of countries in the region who would be capable of providing that kind of support if need be,” Hegseth said. (RELATED: Hegseth Says Iran Military Can’t Outlast US As Conflict Carries On)

Early casualty trackers estimate around 1,230 people have been killed in Iran since the U.S.–Israeli strikes began. The attacks have displaced more than 100,000 residents from their homes as bombardment and clashes continue across parts of the country. The World Health Organization reported that the conflict has also affected civilian infrastructure, verifying strikes on at least 13 hospitals or health facilities.

Hegseth told the Daily Caller that Iran lacks the capacity to sustain a prolonged fight against the United States amid the current conflict. He said the U.S. military can continue operations as long as necessary and stressed that American forces are determining the pace and direction of the campaign.

“Iran cannot outlast us. We’re going to ensure through violence of action and our offensive capabilities and our defensive capabilities, as I said, that we set the tone and the tempo of this fight,” Hegseth told the Caller.

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.