Hegseth Declares Total Victory

The Pentagon's assessment portrays the conflict as a historic success that has left Iran combat-ineffective for years to come.

Hegseth emphasized that all primary military objectives were met on schedule, including the neutralization of missile production sites.

However, critics and some military analysts have questioned the permanence of these gains, noting that Iran still maintains significant regional leverage.

The Defense Secretary warned that US forces remain 'locked and loaded' should the ceasefire fail.