Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth declared a decisive U.S. victory in the conflict with Iran, saying the regime was forced into a ceasefire after suffering major battlefield losses.
Speaking at the Pentagon, Hegseth described Operation Epic Fury as a “historic and overwhelming victory,” claiming U.S. and allied forces achieved all military objectives on schedule and with precision.
He asserted that Iran’s military capabilities were severely degraded, including its missile systems, air defenses, and naval forces. According to Hegseth, the operation left Iran unable to effectively coordinate or sustain combat operations.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine echoed those claims, outlining the scale of the campaign and the number of targets struck during the conflict.
Hegseth also emphasized that dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities remained a central objective, stating that remaining materials are being closely monitored and could be targeted again if necessary.
The remarks came after President Donald Trump agreed to a temporary ceasefire with Iran, just hours before a previously announced deadline tied to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Hegseth credited the ceasefire to U.S. military pressure, arguing that Iran sought the pause after suffering significant losses during the operation.
Despite the pause in fighting, questions remain about long-term stability in the region, including how commercial shipping will be secured through the Strait of Hormuz and whether Iran will comply with the terms of the agreement.
For now, Hegseth said U.S. forces are standing down while remaining ready to respond if conditions change, signaling that the situation remains fluid despite the administration’s claims of victory.
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