U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth clarified during a Pentagon briefing on March 10, 2026, that recent strikes on Iranian oil depots were conducted exclusively by Israeli forces and were not part of U.S. military operations. The attacks, which targeted approximately 30 fuel storage sites, represent a strategic objective pursued independently by Israel, distinct from the United States’ focus on neutralizing Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities.

Hegseth emphasized that while the U.S. and Israel operate in close coordination during the ongoing 2026 campaign against Iran, the two nations sometimes pursue separate operational goals. “Where they have different objectives, they pursued them. We've stayed focused on ours,” he stated, adding, “[The oil strike] was not our strike or objective.” This distinction highlights the nuanced coordination between allied forces in a theater where missions may overlap but strategic priorities differ.

The context for this clarification comes amid the broader joint U.S.-Israel campaign launched in late February 2026 following Iran’s destabilizing actions and the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. U.S. operations have concentrated on degrading Iran’s missile capabilities, nuclear facilities, and command-and-control infrastructure, while Israel has occasionally targeted economic assets such as oil depots, contributing to debates over alliance control and the potential economic impact of such actions.

These strikes coincided with significant fluctuations in global oil markets, as prices briefly spiked to $120 per barrel before stabilizing. Analysts note that while U.S. forces have deliberately avoided targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure to maintain focus on strategic military objectives, Israel’s actions underscore its willingness to pursue measures that directly affect Tehran’s economic leverage.

Pentagon officials stress that maintaining clear operational boundaries is essential for effective coordination and minimizing risks of miscommunication or accidental escalation. Hegseth’s remarks reinforce the message that, despite operating in a shared theater of conflict, the United States prioritizes strategic military and nuclear threats over economic sabotage, leaving such missions to allied partners when deemed necessary.

The clarification also serves as a signal to international observers and markets that the U.S. remains disciplined in its targeting strategy, focusing on degrading Iran’s capacity to project military power while supporting allied operations in a complementary, but not identical, manner. This delineation of responsibilities aims to reduce ambiguity and demonstrate coordinated yet controlled execution of complex military campaigns.