US Claims Decisive Victory in Operation Epic Fury Against Iran

US Claims Decisive Victory in Operation Epic Fury Against Iran

WASHINGTON D.C. – In a stark update on the escalating conflict with Iran, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared the United States is achieving a decisive, devastating, and merciless victory in Operation Epic Fury. Speaking just four days into the operation, Hegseth asserted that American forces, in direct command of President Trump and in conjunction with the Israeli Defense Forces, have inflicted catastrophic damage on Iran’s military capabilities.

The operation, launched early Saturday morning, aims to dismantle Iran’s ability to project power and pursue nuclear weapons. Hegseth emphasized that the conflict is in its nascent stages, stating, “It’s very early, and as President Trump has said, we will take all the time we need to make sure that we succeed.” However, he characterized the initial results as “incredible” and “historic,” highlighting the combined might of the U.S. and Israeli forces against what he described as “radical Islamist Iranian adversaries.”

Origins of the Conflict: Intelligence and a Critical Phone Call

New reporting from a senior U.S. official revealed that the strikes initiating the war were prompted by intelligence gathered following a phone call between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approximately a week and a half prior. According to the official, Netanyahu informed President Trump in the Situation Room that Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was scheduled to meet with top advisors in a single location in Iran. This intelligence suggested that a single, devastating strike could neutralize the Iranian regime’s top leadership.

The CIA reportedly confirmed this intelligence swiftly, leading to the determination that initial strikes were necessary. This revelation sheds light on the immediate catalyst for the ongoing military actions.

Operation Epic Fury: Dominating the Skies and Seas

Secretary Hegseth outlined the aggressive strategy of Operation Epic Fury, emphasizing the goal of achieving complete control of Iranian airspace within a week. “The two most powerful air forces in the world will have complete control of Iranian skies. Uncontested airspace,” Hegseth stated. He detailed the deployment of advanced aircraft, including B-2s, B-52s, and B-1s, alongside Predator drones and fighters, to systematically hunt and dismantle Iran’s missile and defense industrial base, as well as its leadership.

The operation’s rules of engagement have been deliberately designed to “unleash American power, not to shackle it.” Hegseth declared, “This was never meant to be a fair fight, and it is not a fair fight. We are punching them while they’re down, which is exactly how it should be.” He claimed the air power deployed has already exceeded that of the 2003 Iraq invasion’s “Shock and Awe” campaign, with seven times the intensity of Israel’s previous operations against Iran.

Furthermore, Hegseth announced significant successes against Iran’s naval capabilities. He reported that the Iranian Navy is now considered ineffective and decimated, with their prized ship, the Soleimani, sunk. In a notable development, an American submarine reportedly sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, marking the first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since World War II.

Iran’s Capabilities Diminished, Leadership Decimated

The Defense Secretary painted a grim picture of Iran’s current state, asserting that its senior leaders are dead, missing, or in hiding. He described the Iranian military’s command structure as crippled, unable to communicate or mount a coordinated offensive. “Iran’s capabilities are evaporating by the hour, while American strength grows fiercer, smarter and utterly dominant,” Hegseth proclaimed.

He also addressed the effectiveness of Iran’s missile and drone attacks. While acknowledging that some projectiles got through and resulted in casualties among American forces, he likened Iran’s predicament to a football team that has lost its playbook. “Iran’s senior leaders are dead. The so-called governing council that might have selected a successor dead, missing or cowering in bunkers, too terrified to even occupy the same room,” he stated.

Intelligence and Defensive Posture

The transcript also touched upon the U.S. military’s enhanced defensive measures. Hegseth explained that before launching offensive operations, the U.S. quietly ensured its defensive posture was robust, moving over 90% of American troops off bases and out of the range of Iranian fire. The defensive network was described as the most sophisticated ever fielded, with thousands of Iranian missiles and drones intercepted.

General Dean Cain, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, provided specific metrics, noting that Iran’s ballistic missile shots fired are down 86% from the first day of fighting, and one-way attack drone shots are down 73%. This progress has allowed U.S. Central Command to establish localized air superiority and begin expanding operations inland.

Looking Ahead: Unwavering Resolve

Secretary Hegseth concluded his update with a clear message of unwavering resolve. “We are playing for keeps. Our warfighters have maximum authorities granted personally by the President and yours truly,” he said. The mission remains laser-focused: obliterate Iran’s missile and drone capabilities, annihilate its navy and critical security infrastructure, and sever its pathway to nuclear weapons. “Iran will never possess a nuclear bomb. Not on our watch. Not ever,” Hegseth vowed.

He contrasted President Trump’s decisive action with past administrations’ approaches, emphasizing a commitment to finishing what is started and protecting American warfighters by crushing the enemy. The operation, refined through months of preparation, is described as unstoppable, with defensive efforts being unprecedented. The alliance with Israel was also lauded as a significant force multiplier.

Source: Special Report: Hegseth provides an update on Operation Epic Fury (YouTube)