US Declares Victory in Iran Conflict’s 11th Day
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared the eleventh day of 'Operation Epic Fury' would be the most intense, highlighting U.S. progress in dismantling Iran's military capabilities. The focused, decisive mission aims to deny Iran nuclear weapons and degrade its missile and naval power, distinct from past prolonged conflicts.
US Forces Advance in ‘Operation Epic Fury’ Against Iran
WASHINGTON D.C. – In a high-stakes briefing from the Pentagon on the tenth day of “Operation Epic Fury,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that the United States is achieving its objectives with “ruthless precision” and that the current day, the eleventh, would be the “most intense day of strikes.” The operation, aimed at dismantling Iran’s missile capabilities, naval power, and nuclear ambitions, is being framed by the administration as a decisive, focused mission, distinct from prolonged nation-building endeavors of the past.
Key Objectives and Progress
Secretary Hegseth, drawing on his personal experience leading troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, articulated the operation’s three core objectives:
- Destroying Iran’s missile stockpiles, launch sites, and defense industrial base.
- Degrading Iran’s navy and securing freedom of navigation, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Permanently denying Iran nuclear weapons capabilities.
He asserted that on these fronts, the U.S. is “winning decisively with brutal efficiency.” Citing statistics, Hegseth noted a significant reduction in Iranian missile and drone attacks, with ballistic missile attacks trending down by 90% and one-way attack drones decreasing by 83% since the operation began. The U.S. Strategic Command has reportedly struck over 5,000 targets, including deeply buried missile launchers and drone factories. Furthermore, over 50 Iranian naval vessels have been neutralized in the first ten days.
“This fight, Operation Epic Fury, it hits home. Our generation understands this fight. For 47 years, these barbaric savages in the Iranian regime have murdered our brothers in arms… Now they race toward a nuclear bomb to hold the world hostage. President Trump will never allow it. Not now, not ever. Not on our watch.”
– Secretary Pete Hegseth
Honoring the Fallen
The briefing also served as a solemn occasion to honor U.S. service members lost during the operation. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who recently returned from Dover Air Force Base, shared the names of fallen soldiers: Major Jeffrey O’Brien, Chief Warrant Officer Three Robert Marzen, Staff Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, and Major Saufley Davis. He emphasized the profound sacrifice of these individuals and their families, stating, “Their names will never be forgotten, and you and your family are part of our Joint Force family forever.”
A Focused, Decisive Strategy
Secretary Hegseth repeatedly distinguished “Operation Epic Fury” from previous military engagements, rejecting comparisons to the protracted conflicts of 2003 or the nation-building efforts under the Bush and Obama administrations. “This is not 2003. This is not endless nation building under those types of quagmires we saw under Bush or Obama. It’s not even close,” he stated. The administration’s stance is that the mission is clearly scoped, with the President determining the end state and timeline, thereby avoiding “mission creep” and “never-ending nebulously scoped missions.”
Addressing Public Concerns
While projecting confidence in the military’s execution, the briefing implicitly addressed public anxieties regarding the conflict’s duration, cost, and potential impact on gas prices. Secretary Hegseth acknowledged the need to convince Americans of the necessity of the operation, its goals, and its plan, noting that a “concerted effort” to do so had been lacking. He also touched upon international partnerships, affirming Israel as a strong partner while emphasizing that U.S. objectives remain paramount and that the U.S. is “leading” the effort.
Looking Ahead
As the operation intensifies, the Pentagon remains focused on its objectives, emphasizing the adaptability and professionalism of U.S. forces. The administration reiterated President Trump’s commitment to denying Iran nuclear weapons and ensuring the free flow of oil through critical waterways. While specific timelines for the operation’s conclusion were not definitively provided, the consistent message was one of decisive action, controlled scope, and unwavering resolve to achieve the stated military objectives.
Source: LIVE: Hegseth holds a briefing on the Iran conflict | NBC News (YouTube)
Related Articles
Ukraine Offers Drone Defense Expertise Amid Global Escalation
Ukraine is now offering its hard-won expertise in countering drone attacks to nations facing similar threats, a significant shift amidst global escalations. As the Kremlin issues dire warnings, European leaders reaffirm unwavering support for Kyiv, while economic and geopolitical landscapes are reshaped by regional conflicts and shifting energy dependencies.
US War Aims Unclear Amidst Shifting Explanations and Russian Intel Leaks
New reports reveal Russia may be providing Iran with intelligence to target U.S. forces, deepening concerns over shifting explanations for the ongoing conflict. While two U.S. war objectives are reportedly progressing, the ultimate goal of permanently denying Iran nuclear weapons remains uncertain, fueling public skepticism.
Iran War Sparks Oil Price Surge, Global Economic Fears
Iran's escalating conflict with its neighbors and Israel has triggered a sharp surge in oil prices, exceeding $100 a barrel and fueling global economic fears. President Trump has warned of severe consequences if Iran disrupts oil supplies, while new video suggests a potential U.S. missile strike near a school tragedy. Meanwhile, a partial government shutdown is causing significant airport delays across the U.S.