Secretary of War Pete Hegseth praised President Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran, describing it as a decisive operation that has rapidly dismantled the country’s military capabilities while advancing U.S. strategic objectives.
“Mr. President, I’ll start kind of where you left off. Mr. President, thank you for doing the work of the free world and having the courage to step up and stop the Iranian terror regime from holding the world hostage,” Hegseth said.
He characterized the campaign as swift and historically significant, adding, “And 27 days ago, Iran had a modern military. Never in recorded history has a nation’s military been so quickly and effectively neutralized operation.”
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Hegseth said the operation, referred to as Epic Fury, was designed with defined goals rather than an open-ended mission.
“Epic Fury is not an endless war. It’s a decisive campaign with clear objectives to destroy Iran’s military offensive military capabilities and ensure they never obtain a nuclear weapon,” he said.
He said the actions taken were intended to prevent long-term threats, stating, “This is stuff for the history books.”
Hegseth added, “This is stuff for legacy, Mr. President, you are acting now to ensure future generations do not have to live under the threat of a nuclear armed Iran.”
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He also criticized coverage of the operation, saying, “However, you wouldn’t know it if you listen to the dishonest hate Trump media.”
Hegseth addressed reporters directly, stating, “My message to the media is, get it right.”
He pointed to military personnel carrying out the mission, saying, “Behind every headline you write, there’s a helicopter crew in the air.”
He added, “And behind every news banner you write, there’s a battalion on the move.”
Hegseth continued, “And behind every fake news story, there’s an F 35 pilot executing a dangerous mission.”
He compared the operation to past military efforts, referencing his involvement in Iraq.
“In 2007 in 2007 I helped lead the surge, the public fight for the Iraq surge,” he said.
He contrasted current results with earlier conflicts, stating, “Unlike Iraq, this isn’t a tie, this is not parity. This is not chaos.”
Hegseth added, “This is success, pure American success, on plan.”
He said the campaign has exceeded expectations, stating, “And as the President said, ahead of pace.”
Hegseth outlined the scale of the military action, saying, “Over 10,000 enemy targets destroyed.”
He added, “Over 150 naval vessels sunk.”
He said key infrastructure had been eliminated, stating, “Underground facilities destroyed, their defense industrial base in shambles.”
Hegseth also reported leadership losses within Iran’s military, saying, “IRGC navy commander was killed overnight in operation.”
He added, “So no navy, no navy leader.”
He argued that criticism of the operation followed a familiar pattern, stating, “If President Trump had not acted, you’d be screaming, why not?”
He continued, “And now that he has taken decisive action, you’re asking, Why did you.”
Hegseth referenced prior U.S. policy toward Iran, stating, “Many of the Iranian military factories and bases that we’re systematically destroying were paid for by the pallets of American cash that Barack Obama flew into Tehran under the Iran deal.”
He added, “Iran took our money and turned it into weapons and bunkers and ammo, and now we’re destroying those weapons.”
Hegseth reiterated the mission’s goals, stating, “Our objectives are clear, no nukes, no navy, and a complete dismantling of their missile program and defense industrial base.”
He said recent developments reinforced concerns about Iran’s capabilities, stating, “Yet two days ago, they shot two failed missiles on a target 4000 kilometers away.”
Hegseth noted previous claims about missile range, saying, “For years, they told the world that their missiles could only range two kilometers.”
He added, “Surprise yet again, Iran lie and to the world.”
He said U.S. forces are operating with increased freedom, stating, “A-10 warthogs, if you know them, you love them, and Apache helicopter gunships are flying strike missions inside Iranian airspace.”
He added, “You only send these slow, low flying, close air support platforms when the enemy has no meaningful air defenses left.”
Hegseth said the situation on the ground reflects weakening opposition, stating, “Their command and control is shattered.”
He added, “Their top leaders hiding in underground bunkers.”
Hegseth continued, “While their mid level commanders are being crushed in the field.”
He said morale among opposing forces is declining, stating, “The morale of their fighters plummeting.”
Hegseth emphasized continued momentum, stating, “We know that President Trump has given us a clear mission.”
He added, “Our capabilities are only going up, and Iran’s are plummeting.”
Hegseth said the U.S. will continue operations while pursuing diplomatic options, stating, “We are here to win, and we’re full speed ahead.”
He added, “We pray for a deal, and we welcome a deal.”
Hegseth concluded by recognizing military personnel involved in the operation, stating, “And finally, I want to thank our incredible troops, our pilots, crews, sailors, refuelers, air defenders.”
He added, “The absolute best of America, the real 1% of our country.”
Hegseth said the administration supports those serving, stating, “This President, President Trump, has your back.”
He concluded, “We ask the American people to do the same as they continue in this mission. God bless. Thank you.”
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