US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has claimed that Iran pushed for a ceasefire following extensive American military action that significantly weakened its capabilities.
Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth said Operation “Epic Fury” severely damaged Iran’s military strength, stating that its missile programme was effectively neutralised and its naval forces largely dismantled. He described the operation as a decisive battlefield success.
#WATCH | Washington, DC | United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, says, “…President Trump forged this moment. Iran begged for this ceasefire, and we all know it…Operation Epic Fury was a historic and overwhelming victory on the battlefield…Operation Epic Fury… pic.twitter.com/dUSLl6FUvX
— ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2026
Hegseth added that US President Donald Trump had the option to inflict further economic damage but chose restraint after Iran agreed to the ceasefire under pressure.
He also stated that US forces achieved full air dominance and conducted around 800 strikes in a single night, targeting Iran’s defence infrastructure. According to him, key military facilities were destroyed, leaving long-term impacts on Iran’s combat readiness.
Additionally, Hegseth claimed that Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was injured during the conflict.
At the same briefing, Joint Chiefs official Dan Caine said US objectives had been met and welcomed the ceasefire, noting that thousands of targets had been struck since the conflict began.
