US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has claimed that Iran was forced into agreeing to a ceasefire after suffering heavy losses, calling the recent military campaign Operation Epic Fury a “historic and overwhelming victory.”
Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth said Iran had “begged for this ceasefire” following weeks of intense fighting between US-led forces and Iran. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
“Historic Victory” Claim by Pentagon
Hegseth described the operation as a decisive success, saying US forces had achieved all major objectives in a short period.
According to him, the campaign:
- Severely damaged Iran’s missile systems
- Weakened its navy and defence infrastructure
- Reduced its overall military capability
He stated that Iran’s missile programme had been “functionally destroyed” and its military strength significantly reduced.
The defence chief also praised President Donald Trump, saying his leadership and pressure tactics forced Iran into accepting the ceasefire.
Ceasefire After Weeks of Conflict
The ceasefire comes after more than a month of intense fighting that began in late February.
Under the agreement:
- The United States has paused military strikes for two weeks
- Iran has agreed to allow safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz
- Talks are expected to begin soon to reach a longer-term deal
Despite this, US officials have made it clear the ceasefire is only a temporary pause and not a permanent solution.
Conflicting Views on War Outcome
While the US administration has presented the operation as a clear victory, some analysts and officials have questioned these claims.
Reports suggest Iran still retains some military capabilities, and the situation on the ground remains complex.
Iranian officials have also rejected the idea that they “begged” for a ceasefire, instead presenting the truce as a strategic decision.
Tensions Remain High
Even after the ceasefire announcement, tensions in the region remain fragile.
Military forces on both sides are still on alert, and officials have warned that fighting could restart if either side violates the agreement.
Vice President JD Vance described the situation as a “fragile truce,” highlighting the lack of trust between the two countries.
What Comes Next
The coming days will be critical as negotiations begin to turn the temporary ceasefire into a lasting agreement.
While the US sees the deal as a result of military strength, Iran has signalled that the conflict is not fully over.
For now, the ceasefire offers a brief pause — but the risk of escalation remains, making the situation highly unpredictable.
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