Secretary of War Pete Hegseth took a victory lap Wednesday, claiming that Iran “begged” for a cease-fire and touting an “overwhelming victory” on the battlefield.
“No other president has shown the courage and resolve of this commander in chief. President Trump forged this moment. Iran begged for this ceasefire, and we all know it,” Hegseth said.
Pete Hegseth took a victory lap during the Pentagon briefing on April 8, 2026. AFP via Getty Images “Operation Epic Fury was a historic and overwhelming victory on the battlefield. A capital V military victory,” he added. “By any measure. Epic fury decimated Iran’s military and rendered it combat-ineffective for years to come.”
