Iran’s defense-industrial base ‘completely’ destroyed, Pentagon chief Hegseth says

The US war against Iran has “completely” destroyed the country’s ability to build missiles or other sophisticated weaponry, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says.

“We finished completely destroying Iran’s defense-industrial base, a core pillar of our mission,” Hegseth tells reporters. “They still shoot… here and there… but they can no longer build missiles.”

He describes Operation Epic Fury as “a historic and overwhelming victory on the battlefield” and says “one of the world’s greatest militaries” was destroyed in less than 40 days.

Iran “accepted the ceasefire under overwhelming pressure,” knowing that US was “locked and loaded” on energy and other targets it had no means to defend, Hegseth says.

“They know this agreement means they will never, ever possess a nuclear weapon.”

There is now a chance for “real peace and real deal,” he says, and warns that the “War Department… stand ready in the background to ensure Iran upholds every reasonable term.”

He thanks Israel “for being a brave, capable, and willing ally on this battlefield. The rest of the world and the rest of our so-called allies saw what real capabilities look like. They should take some notes.”