War Secretary Pete Hegseth declared a “decisive military victory” over Iran on Wednesday, one day after Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire agreement aimed at halting ongoing hostilities and opening the door to broader negotiations, as reported by Fox News.

Speaking during a press conference at the Pentagon, Hegseth said U.S. forces had successfully carried out a military campaign that significantly weakened Iran’s capabilities.

He credited the operation, referred to as “Operation Epic Fury,” with achieving all planned objectives in a short period of time.

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"This morning, a big day for world peace. Iran wants it to happen. They've had enough. Operation Epic Fury was a historic and overwhelming victory on the battlefield. A capital V," Hegseth said.

He added that U.S. Central Command, also known as CENTCOM, carried out the operation using a limited portion of available military resources.

"In less than 40 days, one of our combatant commands…CENTCOM, using less than 10% of America's total combat power, dismantled one of the world's largest militaries," he said.

Hegseth further stated, "The world's leading state sponsor of terrorism proved utterly incapable of defending itself, its people or its territory."

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According to Hegseth, U.S. forces, working alongside Israeli partners, executed the mission according to schedule.

"We utilized just a fraction of our strength, and Iran suffered a devastating military defeat. Together with our Israeli partners. America's military achieved every single objective on plan, on schedule, exactly as laid out from day one," he said.

The War Secretary also addressed attempted attacks by Iranian forces against the USS Abraham Lincoln. He said Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones targeting the aircraft carrier, but claimed those efforts were unsuccessful.

"Every single one of those shots easily shot down, miles and miles away from the Abe Lincoln. They were blowing ammo into Fantasy land," Hegseth said.

The comments come after President Trump announced Tuesday night that the United States and Iran had agreed to a two-week ceasefire.

The agreement includes provisions related to the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, with Iran agreeing to allow passage as negotiations continue.

In a Truth Social post early Wednesday, Trump described the development as a step toward peace and indicated that the United States would assist in managing maritime traffic in the region.

"A big day for World Peace! Iran wants it to happen, they’ve had enough! Likewise, so has everyone else! The United States of America will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz," Trump wrote.

"There will be lots of positive action! Big money will be made. Iran can start the reconstruction process."

He added that U.S. forces would remain in the area to ensure stability and support the ceasefire.

"The United States will be loading up with supplies of all kinds, and just ‘hangin’ around’ in order to make sure that everything goes well. I feel confident that it will," Trump wrote.

Trump also referenced ongoing diplomatic efforts, noting that the United States is working on a proposed 15-point peace agreement, while Iran has previously introduced a 10-point plan.

"Just like we are experiencing in the U.S., this could be the Golden Age of the Middle East!!!" Trump added.

FULL TRUMP POST ANNOUNCING CEASEFIRE!

“PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East.” pic.twitter.com/GnsiByyGwI — Townhall.com (@townhallcom) April 7, 2026

U.S. officials said troops will remain deployed in the region during the ceasefire period as negotiations continue, with the goal of reaching a broader agreement between the two countries.

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