Washington, April 8, 2026: United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth declared on Wednesday that the US had achieved a decisive military victory over Iran, stating that Tehran’s missile program was “functionally destroyed” and that the country’s air defences were effectively eliminated.
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Hegseth, speaking alongside Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine at the Pentagon, detailed the results of 800 strikes conducted on Tuesday night, which targeted Iran’s industrial and military infrastructure. “Iran’s air force has been wiped out. Their missile launchers, production facilities, and existing stockpiles have been decimated and are almost completely ineffective,” he said.
The defence secretary added that less than 10% of US combat power had been deployed and that American forces remained in the region to ensure compliance with a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan. “We are monitoring their enriched uranium stockpile. We know what they have, and they will give it up, and we’ll get it. We’ll take it if we have to,” Hegseth said.
General Caine confirmed that US military objectives had been achieved but emphasized that the ceasefire was a temporary pause and that forces were ready to resume operations if necessary.
The ceasefire, announced following Pakistan’s mediation, was confirmed by President Donald Trump on Truth Social, who said the US would work closely with Iran to maintain the truce and stabilize the Strait of Hormuz.
The two-week pause aims to allow diplomatic negotiations while maintaining US military leverage in the region, amid concerns over Tehran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.
