As the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth declared on Thursday (local time) that the US had achieved a decisive victory over Iran.
At a briefing at the Pentagon, Hegseth claimed the US military operation against Iran, dubbed "Fierce Fury," had achieved a decisive victory. He emphasized that the Defense Department's role was over for now and that a genuine opportunity for peace had arrived with the ceasefire agreement.
However, he added that US forces that participated in the military operation against Iran would maintain readiness for contingencies. This was a warning that attacks on Iran could resume if the ceasefire agreement collapses or is not properly implemented.
Hegseth also said Iran would hand over its enriched uranium to the United States, and if not, the US would take it directly.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, he emphasized that other nations must now participate in its management, as President Donald Trump has long argued. "The United States brings in almost no energy through Hormuz," Hegseth said. "America has made Iran voluntarily open the Strait of Hormuz, so now it's time for the rest of the world to step up to ensure the strait remains open."