US War Secretary Pete Hegseth Claims Iran "begged" for Ceasefire

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.