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US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday said Iran had “begged” for a ceasefire following American strikes, while also claiming that the country’s top leadership had been severely impacted in the attacks.
Hegseth alleged that Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was “wounded and likely disfigured” after recent strikes, raising questions over his ability to lead.
The remarks come after what the US described as a large-scale military offensive under “Operation Epic Fury”. Hegseth said American forces carried out around 800 strikes targeting Iran’s defence infrastructure, adding that Washington used “less than 10%” of its military combat power during the operation.
He asserted that Iran’s missile programme had been “functionally destroyed” and described the operation as a decisive victory for the US. According to Hegseth, the scale of the strikes forced Tehran to seek a ceasefire.
Hegseth said the US would remain prepared to act if required, ensuring Iran adheres to the terms of any agreement.
Hegseth added that Iran’s leadership recognised a deal was preferable to further escalation, saying the regime had limited options following the strikes.
He claimed the agreement would ensure Iran does not pursue nuclear weapons going forward.
US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire shortly before a deadline for Iran to respond, saying US military objectives had been met and that discussions on a longer-term peace framework were underway.
Also Read: How Iran is using human chains to counter Trump’s ‘complete demolition’ threat
Hegseth alleged that Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was “wounded and likely disfigured” after recent strikes, raising questions over his ability to lead.
The remarks come after what the US described as a large-scale military offensive under “Operation Epic Fury”. Hegseth said American forces carried out around 800 strikes targeting Iran’s defence infrastructure, adding that Washington used “less than 10%” of its military combat power during the operation.
He asserted that Iran’s missile programme had been “functionally destroyed” and described the operation as a decisive victory for the US. According to Hegseth, the scale of the strikes forced Tehran to seek a ceasefire.
Hegseth said the US would remain prepared to act if required, ensuring Iran adheres to the terms of any agreement.
Hegseth added that Iran’s leadership recognised a deal was preferable to further escalation, saying the regime had limited options following the strikes.
He claimed the agreement would ensure Iran does not pursue nuclear weapons going forward.
US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire shortly before a deadline for Iran to respond, saying US military objectives had been met and that discussions on a longer-term peace framework were underway.
Also Read: How Iran is using human chains to counter Trump’s ‘complete demolition’ threat
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