US Defense Secretary Declares Iran No Longer a Threat, Claims Historic Victory

Kathmandu. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has declared that Iran is no longer a threat to the United States. Claiming that Iran, which has challenged the US for the past 47 years, has finally 'begged for a ceasefire,' he stated that the US military has achieved a historic victory.

In a press conference held on Wednesday, Defense Secretary Hegseth described today as a monumental day for world peace, asserting that Iran's military capabilities have been decimated beyond repair for years to come. Praising President Donald Trump, Hegseth stated that this historic moment was made possible solely because of him.

Describing 'Operation Epic Fury' as a historic and overwhelming action, he claimed that the US military has completely wiped out Iran's military power. According to him, the US has neutralized Iran's navy and air force according to its military objectives, and the US now controls the skies over Iran.

Hegseth stated that Iran accepted the ceasefire because it could no longer withstand the immense pressure. He warned that if Washington's conditions were not met, Iran's energy centers, bridges, and oil and energy infrastructure would be the next targets for the US.

Defense Secretary Hegseth claimed that while Trump had the power to destroy Iran's entire economy in minutes, he chose not to out of 'mercy.' He noted that if the infrastructure had been destroyed, it would have taken Iran decades to rebuild, and the Iranian leadership understood that reaching an agreement was the prudent choice.

He confirmed that many high-ranking Iranian officials, including the then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, were killed during the military operations by the US and Israel at the start of the war. Hegseth mentioned that new faces have now emerged in Iran's leadership, and they are recalculating their position, understanding the necessity of negotiating with the US.

Stating that the US has been clear from the beginning that Iran cannot possess nuclear weapons, he said Iran must voluntarily surrender its enriched uranium. He warned that if they fail to do so, the US, in coordination with Israel, would launch another operation similar to the 'Midnight Hammer' conducted against Iran's nuclear facilities in 2025.

When asked about the presence of US troops in West Asia, Hegseth made it clear that the US military is not going anywhere. He stated that US forces will remain deployed there to ensure Iran complies with the ceasefire terms and to keep Iran at the negotiating table.

He emphasized that the military remains on high alert and is prepared to resume attacks at any time if necessary. He clarified that according to the ceasefire terms, Iran will allow ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without obstruction.

During his address, Hegseth described Israel as a brave, willing, and capable ally of the US. He also made a sarcastic remark that other 'so-called' US allies around the world should learn a thing or two from Israel.

He stated that his ministry has completed its task for now, but the US will always remain ready to ensure that Iran adheres to every condition.