Sri Lanka, March 2 -- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said today that the US strikes on Iran is not meant to be "regime change," while he acknowledged that the leadership in the country has changed.

"This is not a so-called regime change war, but the regime sure did change and the world is better off for it," Hegseth said.

The US Defense Secretary also argued that the US didn't start the war, claiming Iran has carried out attacks for decades in a "one-sided war against America."

"We didn't start this war, but under President Trump, we are finishing it," Hegseth added.

Speaking at a special press briefing, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the country is mourning four armed forces personnel lost so far.

"The absolute best of Am...