U.S. Secretary of the Army Pete Hegse confirmed reports on the 13th (local time) that Iran's new supreme leader, Mujeeb Hossein, was injured during a joint operation by the United States and Israel, adding that his face is "likely to be scarred."

During a press briefing, Secretary Hegse emphasized that the Iranian regime is suffering severe blows as the continuous airstrikes by the United States and Israel have entered their second week, with its leadership in hiding and its military power rapidly collapsing.

"We know that the so-called new supreme leader was injured and is likely to be scarred on his face," Hegse said, arguing that the fact that Hossein has not released any public videos or audio messages speaks volumes.

He described Iran's ruling elite as "desperate and hiding," stating that the regime cannot even communicate properly and cooperation is even more impossible.

The key message of Friday's briefing was that the Trump administration believes the operation is proceeding exactly as planned.

Hegse, speaking alongside Gen. Dan "Ragin" Cain, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Iran's air defense systems are virtually gone, its air force is no longer functional, and its navy has been shattered.

He added that missile and drone attacks have drastically decreased as U.S. and Israeli forces continue to relentlessly strike launch pads, ammunition depots, factories, and command centers.

General Cain echoed this assessment, stating that as "Operation Epic Fury" entered its 13th day, it continues to make steady progress toward the same military objectives the authorities have presented since the operation began: eliminating Iran's missile threat, paralyzing its defense industrial base, neutralizing its naval power, and blocking the regime's path to acquiring nuclear weapons.

These objectives align with what Hegse publicly described in a previous Army briefing as a "laser-focused" mission, far removed from open-ended Middle East entanglements, Newsmax reported.

Friday's briefing also made clear that the Army does not see a reason to expand this mission to nation-building or long-term occupation.

Hegse stressed that President Donald Trump has kept the operation thoroughly focused on U.S. national interests, contrasting it with the failed and inconsistent missions of past administrations.

"We have clearly defined our objectives and are pursuing them," Hegse said, dismissing media claims that the conflict is escalating. Instead, he asserted that Iran's position is "shrinking" while the U.S. and its allies are gaining the upper hand.

Cain also emphasized the role of joint forces, commending the U.S. military for its precision strikes on land, sea, and air.

He stated that U.S. artillery units have already used advanced missile systems to strike targets deep within enemy territory and have sunk several Iranian vessels.

The briefing came just one day after a U.S. Air Force KC-135 aerial refueling tanker crashed in western Iraq during a combat mission.

Cain stated that the incident was not caused by enemy fire or friendly fire, and the Associated Press reported that four of the six crew members were confirmed dead as search operations continued.

For the administration, Friday's message was clear: the operation is proceeding as planned, the objectives remain unchanged, and the Iranian regime is paying a heavy price for the Trump administration's "peace through strength" policy.

By Hong Seong-gu, Chief Editor, NNP, USA / Special Correspondent NNP info@newsandpost.com