Hegseth says ‘war department has done its part’
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday the United States had completed its military objectives against Iran and opened the way for a potential peace deal.
“The War Department, for now, has done its part,” he said at a Pentagon briefing.
“Now we have a chance at real peace and a real deal,” he added.
Hegseth said Iran’s military capabilities had been severely degraded, including its missile program and air defenses, and warned Tehran would face further strikes if it did not comply with the terms of the agreement.
He said the United States had been prepared to target Iran’s power plants, bridges and energy infrastructure but did not proceed after Iran accepted a ceasefire under what he described as overwhelming pressure.
Hegseth said US forces remained ready to act if needed to ensure Iran upheld the terms of the deal.
