U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held a press briefing after the recent American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, describing the mission as an “incredible and overwhelming success.”
Hegseth asserted, “we devastated the Iranian nuclear program. But it’s worth noting that the operation did not target Iranian troops or the Iranian people. For the entirety of his time in office, President Trump has consistently stated that Iran must not get a nuclear weapon. Thanks to President Trump’s bold and visionary leadership, and his commitment to peace through strength, Iran’s nuclear ambitions have been obliterated.”
He continued by emphasizing the historic nature of the decision, stating, “many presidents have dreamed about delivering the final blow to Iran’s nuclear program, and none could until President Trump.”

Hegseth stressed that Tehran had been clearly warned about the limited time frame for diplomacy. “Iran found out that when POTUS says 60 days of peace and negotiations, he means 60 days of peace and negotiations; otherwise, that nuclear program will not exist. He meant it. He seeks peace, and Iran should take that path.”
Echoing President Trump’s warning to Iran, Hegseth cautioned against any retaliatory actions. Trump had previously stated that Iran would be “met with a force much greater than what was witnessed tonight.”
The defense secretary praised the commanders and personnel who made the strike possible, including close coordination with Israel. “This is a plan that took months and weeks of positioning and preparation so that we could be ready when the President of the United States called. It took a great deal of precision. It involved misdirection and the highest level of operational security.”
He offered details on the covert nature of the operation, noting: “Our B-2s went in and out of these nuclear sites and back without the world knowing at all. In that way, it was historic.”
Hegseth pointed out that this was the longest B-2 Spirit Bomber deployment since 2001 and marked the first combat use of the Massive Ordnance Penetrator. “The mission demonstrated to the world the level of joint and allied integration that speaks to the strength of our alliance of our joint forces.”
While making it clear that war is not the United States’ objective, Hegseth pledged that America will act when provoked. “We will act swiftly and decisively when our people, our partners, or our interests are threatened. Iran should listen to the United States and know that it means every word.”
{Matzav.com}