Defense officials say U.S. operations achieved all objectives, leaving Iran’s military capabilities significantly degraded.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that U.S. and allied military operations against Iran resulted in what he described as a “historic and overwhelming victory,” asserting that the campaign left Iran’s military significantly weakened as a ceasefire agreement took hold.
Speaking at a morning press conference alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, Hegseth characterized the recently concluded operation as decisive. “Operation Epic Fury was a historic and overwhelming victory on the battlefield. A capital V military victory,” he said. “By any measure, Epic Fury decimated Iran’s military and rendered it combat ineffective for years to come.”
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Hegseth framed the conflict as the culmination of prolonged tensions, stating that Iran had been “chanting death to America, targeting our people, killing Americans,” while pursuing nuclear capabilities. He credited President Donald Trump with initiating military action, contrasting the approach with prior administrations. “Other presidents marked time and kicked the can down the road,” he said. “President Trump made history… No other president has shown the courage and resolve of this commander in chief.”
According to Hegseth, the campaign was executed in under 40 days and utilized a limited portion of U.S. military capacity. “We untied just a fraction of our strength, and Iran suffered a devastating military defeat,” he said, adding that less than 10 percent of total combat power was used. He said U.S. forces, in coordination with Israeli partners, achieved all operational objectives “on plan, on schedule, exactly as laid out from day one.”
Detailing the outcome, Hegseth said Iran’s naval assets had been destroyed. “Iran’s Navy is at the bottom of the sea, their frigate class, their prized drone aircraft carriers, submarines, minelayers sunk,” he said. He added that Iran’s air force had been neutralized and its missile capabilities severely degraded. “We own their skies. Their missile program is functionally destroyed.”
Hegseth also stated that hundreds of attempted missile and drone launches failed to reach U.S. targets. “Every single one of those shots easily shot down miles and miles away [while] they were blowing ammo into fantasyland,” he said.
He said a final wave of more than 800 strikes targeted Iran’s defense industrial base. “What little they have left buried in bunkers is all they will have,” he said. “They can no longer build missiles, build rockets, build launchers, or build UAVs. Their factories have been razed to the ground.”
According to Hegseth, Iran agreed to the ceasefire under mounting pressure. He said additional escalation would have targeted key infrastructure. “Had Iran refused our terms, the next targets would have been their power plants, their bridges and oil and energy infrastructure,” he said, adding that the president “had the power to cripple Iran’s entire economy in minutes, but he chose mercy.”
He also said that numerous senior Iranian leaders were killed during the campaign, describing the leadership structure as having been “systematically eliminated.” “This new regime was out of options and out of time. So they cut a deal,” he said.
Under the terms outlined by Hegseth, Iran will not obtain nuclear weapons. “The president has been clear from the beginning. There will be no Iranian nuclear weapons, period, full stop,” he said. “Other presidents said it. President Trump did it.”
Hegseth highlighted additional operational elements, including a recovery mission involving downed pilots. “In a daring 14-hour rescue operation… both pilots were recovered safely not once, but twice,” he said, adding that the campaign resulted in “zero American casualties.”
He described the outcome as a response to past attacks. “Iran’s defeat is America’s retribution for every American lost to Iranian terror,” Hegseth said.
The secretary said President Trump personally commended U.S. forces following the operation. “The president is proud of you. Job well done. But stay vigilant and stay ready,” he said.
He also addressed families of service members, stating, “To the families of our fallen, your sacrifice was in service of a historic cause. And we will always remember your heroes. Our heroes. We will continue to honor them.”
Hegseth acknowledged Israel’s role in the operation. “To our Israeli allies, thank you for being a brave, capable, and willing ally on this battlefield,” he said, adding that other international partners “should take some notes.”
He emphasized the role of U.S. personnel in the campaign’s outcome. “Our troops, our American warriors, deserve the credit for this day,” Hegseth said.
He also referenced faith in describing the operation. “Tens of thousands of sorties, refuelings, and strikes carried out under the protection of divine Providence. A massive effort with miraculous protection… God is good,” he said.
Looking ahead, Hegseth said the U.S. military will continue monitoring compliance with the ceasefire. “The War Department, for now, has done its part,” he said. “We stand ready in the background to ensure Iran upholds every reasonable term.”
He concluded by addressing service members involved in the campaign. “To the warriors of Epic Fury, I say, well done,” Hegseth said. “Your skill, your bravery, and sheer guts and grit showed the world what America is all about.”
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