The Pentagon says it has no set timetable for the end of the war in Iran and asks Americans to pray on their knees.
Image: Folha de S.Paulo

The Pentagon says it has no set timetable for the end of the war in Iran and asks Americans to pray on their knees.

19 March, 2026.Iran.1 sources

Key Takeaways

  • Pentagon says no fixed timetable for end of war in Iran.
  • Pete Hegseth says the end is near but no end date will be set.
  • Pentagon asks Americans to pray on their knees.

Hegseth timeline claim

The United States Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, stated at a press conference on Thursday (the 19th) that the country is close to ending the war in Iran, but stressed that there is no defined timeline and that he does not intend to set a date for the end, although he maintains that it is near.

The United States Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, stated at a press conference on Thursday (the 19th) that the country is close to ending the war in Iran, but stressed that there is no defined timeline and that he does not intend to set a date for the end, although he maintains that it is near

Folha de S.PauloFolha de S.Paulo

Trump timeline contrast

The statement contrasts with previous remarks by President Donald Trump about the duration of the war — at first, it would be a few weeks, but the estimated duration has varied over the weeks.

In recent days, for example, the president said the U.S. would not be ready to end the conflict, but that it will occur in the near future.

Image from Folha de S.Paulo
Folha de S.PauloFolha de S.Paulo

Attack objectives and rhetoric

He also criticized military interventions conducted during the administrations of former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, stating that 'Trump knows more.'

'The press needs to tell the truth. We are winning,' he said.

He also reiterated that the objectives of the attacks have remained unchanged since the beginning: to destroy missiles at Iranian bases and to ensure that Iran never develops a nuclear weapon.

Human toll and appeals

Amid the conflict, which is now in its 20th day and has killed 13 American service members, Hegseth made a religious-tinged appeal, asking Americans to pray for the troops 'on their knees' and 'in the name of Jesus Christ.'

He also stated that countries around the world, including 'ungrateful allies' in Europe who did not agree to help Trump, should thank the president for the attacks on Iran.

Image from Folha de S.Paulo
Folha de S.PauloFolha de S.Paulo

The secretary also said he had met with the families of the fallen service members.

According to him, the relatives asked the U.S. to 'end this' and argued that the soldiers' sacrifice should be honored, with the continuation of operations until the mission is completed.

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