In a triumphant Pentagon briefing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hailed ‘Operation Epic Fury’ as a resounding success, claiming US-Israel forces obliterated Iran’s military might while achieving all mission objectives. The Wednesday presser with General Dan Kane revealed how strategic strikes compelled Iran to sue for ceasefire.
Trump’s administration wielded overwhelming power, capable of halting Iran’s economy instantly, yet opted for proportionality. Hegseth explained, ‘We held back intentionally as Iran yielded to pressure.’ This calculated mercy amplified the operation’s impact without full-scale war.
Remarkably efficient, the 40-day campaign used only a fraction of US firepower to neutralize Iran’s formidable arsenal. Hegseth boasted of sinking the navy, erasing air defenses, and terminating the missile program. ‘Plan-perfect, schedule-perfect execution,’ he declared.
Kane provided stark figures: 13,000+ strikes demolished 80% of defenses, nearly all naval assets, and key production sites. Rebuilding will take Iran years, and the truce is temporary—US troops are primed for any resurgence.
Optimism surrounds dialogues with Iran’s incoming leadership, which recognizes the futility of confrontation. The deal locks out nuclear ambitions forever, marking a pivotal shift born from Iran’s hard-learned realities. This victory redefines Middle East power dynamics.
