U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright affirmed Sunday that the United States' military mission in Iran will continue until President Donald Trump's war aims are achieved, following eight consecutive days of U.S. strikes.
"The president's mission is essential for peace in the Middle East and peace in the world, and that is to prevent Iran from achieving nuclear weapons, and to degrade their ability to terrorize their neighbors and the world and global commerce," Wright said during an interview on ABC News' “This Week.” "So yes, this mission will go on until the mission is done."
The latest round of strikes occurred Saturday, a day after U.S. Central Command reported that two American service members were killed and one remained missing following an attack in Jordan.
When pressed by “This Week” co-anchor Jonathan Karl on whether the president intended to retaliate further in response to the deaths, Wright stated, "It's tragic to lose American lives, but this is a mission that will save countless lives going forward."
Since the conflict began in late February, 16 U.S. troops have been killed, and hundreds have sustained injuries, according to the Department of Defense.
Earlier in the year, U.S. and Iranian leaders signed a preliminary deal in mid-June to extend a ceasefire by 60 days amidst negotiations concerning Iran's nuclear program. However, that ceasefire has since collapsed, with both nations declaring the memorandum of understanding effectively void.