Washington: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed Wednesday that "America is winning" in an ongoing military operation against Iran, as he announced a U.S. submarine sunk an Iranian warship with a torpedo in the Indian Ocean the previous day.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine held a press briefing on progress in the operation, codenamed "Operation Epic Fury," including the U.S. military having killed the leader of an Iranian unit that attempted to assassinate President Donald Trump.

"I stand before you today with one unmistakable message about Operation Epic Fury: America is winning decisively, devastatingly and without mercy under the direct command of President Trump," Hegseth said. He emphasized that the military operation against Iran, which commenced on Saturday, would continue as long as necessary to ensure success.

Hegseth highlighted the significant progress made by the U.S. military, particularly the sinking of the Iranian vessel. "An American submarine sunk an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters. Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo. Quiet death. The first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since World War II," he stated.

He also reported the elimination of the leader who attempted to assassinate President Trump, underlining the strategic victories achieved in the operation. Gen. Caine described the sinking as a demonstration of America's global reach capabilities.

Addressing concerns about Iran's potential to outlast U.S. missile interception capabilities, Hegseth asserted that the Islamic Republic cannot outlast the U.S. offensive and defensive measures. He reiterated the operation's core objectives, focusing on dismantling Iran's missile capabilities and nuclear ambitions.

Caine disclosed that the U.S. military has thus far targeted over 2,000 sites and destroyed more than 20 Iranian naval vessels. Iran has responded with over 500 ballistic missiles and more than 2,000 drones striking civilian targets in the region.

The general outlined plans for continued strikes on Iranian infrastructure and naval assets in the coming days, noting the operation's early stage while acknowledging the inherent risks. Caine emphasized the complexity and danger of the mission, reminding that military personnel remain in harm's way, and the risk remains high.