US Defense secretary declares Iran’s nuclear capabilities 'obliterated' in strikes

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine addressed a Pentagon briefing on Sunda, outlining the success of the recent US-led military operation against Iran’s nuclear facilities.

“Iran’s nuclear ambitions have been obliterated,” Secretary Hegseth declared at the outset of the briefing. “The operation President Trump planned was bold and brilliant—demonstrating to the world that American deterrence is back.”

Emphasizing that the mission was not aimed at regime change, Hegseth asserted that the operation was a direct response to Iran’s nuclear escalation. He also warned that any retaliatory move by Iran would be met with a forceful US response.

“Israel enjoys the unwavering support of its allies,” Hegseth said, underlining Washington’s strategic alignment with Tel Aviv during the current crisis.

Read more: Iran: We will defend ourselves against US 'criminal aggression' with 'all force'

“When the president speaks, the world should listen,” he continued. “President Trump is seeking peace, but Iran must choose that path. The alternative will only bring devastation upon themselves.”

General Caine highlighted that the mission was the result of months of detailed planning and weeks of strategic positioning to ensure readiness when President Trump gave the final order.

Both defense leaders reiterated that while the U.S. prefers diplomacy, it will not hesitate to act decisively to neutralize threats to its interests and global security.