‘Iran begged for this ceasefire’: US battle secretary Pete Hegseth hails ‘victory’ over Iran

“Operation Epic Fury decimated Iran’s navy and rendered it combat-ineffective for years to return…,” he added describing the operation as a significant strategic success.The Pentagon chief additionally issued a robust warning over Iran’s stockpile of extremely enriched uranium, saying the US would guarantee it’s secured, by pressure if obligatory. Whereas he didn’t elaborate on how this is able to be achieved, he indicated that Washington was intently monitoring the scenario.“We’re watching it. We all know what they’ve, and they’re going to give it up, and we’ll get it, and we’ll take it. If we have now to, we are able to do it in any, any means obligatory,” Hegseth stated.“They will give it to us voluntarily, we’ll get it, we’ll take it, we’ll take it out, or if we have now to do one thing else ourselves, like we did Midnight Hammer or one thing like that, we reserve that chance,” he added.Hegseth’s remarks sign a continued hardline stance by Washington, with the US conserving the choice of extra strikes on the desk if its calls for aren’t met.The Pentagon chief’s feedback got here after Trump, who had earlier warned of wiping out Iran’s “complete civilization,” shifted tone and introduced a ceasefire with Tehran, describing it as a “complete and full victory” following 38 days of Operation Epic Fury.Nonetheless, Tehran offered a contrasting narrative. The Islamic Republic, led by Mojtaba Khamenei, additionally claimed victory, citing Washington’s acceptance of its 10-point proposal as proof of each battlefield and diplomatic success.