US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Al-Qaeda-linked individuals in Iran could be targeted during ongoing operations. Speaking at the Pentagon, he stressed the group “remains our enemy”. Officials said counterterrorism remains central to strategy, while Gen. Dan Caine confirmed precision strikes continue on infrastructure to limit militant activity and safeguard regional stability.

Washington: The United States on Tuesday indicated that Al-Qaeda-linked figures inside Iran could be potential targets, as officials highlighted the continued threat posed by the militant group during the ongoing conflict.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters at a Pentagon news conference that the US remains focused on counterterrorism even as military operations against Iran continue.

“Al-Qaeda remains our enemy…there are a lot of people on our target list in Iran,” Hegseth said.

He added that any individuals associated with the group and operating from Iranian territory would be treated as legitimate targets.