New Delhi (India) April 8:Just hours after the U.S. and Iran reached a ceasefire, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth made some bold statements, declaring that the U.S. had clearly established itself as the dominant force in the conflict. His comments came amid intense global scrutiny following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a de-escalation in hostilities.
Hegseth praised Trump for making an unprecedented move during a time of extreme crisis, suggesting that Iran had been desperate for a ceasefire and that the President chose to show mercy by sparing certain targets.
Hegseth Declares Iran Begged for Ceasefire
Hegseth indicated that the Iranian government accepted the ceasefire under considerable pressure, acknowledging that a deal was far better than the uncertain fate they faced otherwise.
“Iran begged for this ceasefire - and we all know it. Operation Epic Fury was a historic and overwhelming victory on the battlefield," Hegseth said.
He added, "Iran's navy is at the bottom of the sea. Iran's air force has been wiped out. Iran no longer has any sort of a comprehensive air defense system. Their missile program is functionally destroyed.”
US Holds Iran's Destiny
In a striking assertion, Hegseth claimed, “Iran’s destiny is in our hands,” emphasizing that even with the agreement to halt operations, the U.S. maintained significant strategic and military advantages. He noted that the U.S. had already established a critical lead on the battlefield prior to the ceasefire.
"US forces had achieved a decisive military victory which gave the administration the confidence to negotiate from a position of strength," he said.
Trump Spares Iran's Economy
He reiterated Washington's resolve by stating that Iran would never acquire nuclear weapons and highlighted that the terms of the ceasefire aligned with long-standing American security objectives. Hegseth also pointed out that the U.S. still had both economic and military options available to decisively address any threats from Iran.
"President Trump could have crushed Iran's economy but instead chose restraint. He showed mercy by opting for diplomatic engagement through the ceasefire window," he added.
Iran Claims Victory After Ceasefire
His remarks followed President Trump’s last-minute decision to pull back from what could have been a devastating attack on Iran, just hours before a deadline he had set for Tehran to clear the blocked Strait of Hormuz.
In response to the situation, Tehran has claimed victory and expressed skepticism about U.S. negotiators, asserting that they entered discussions without trust.
"The enemy, in its unjust, illegal and criminal war against the Iranian nation, has suffered an undeniable, historic and crushing defeat," Iran's Supreme National Security Council said.