The Guardian · US news · Original story
Hegseth claims Iran ‘begged’ for ceasefire after US and Tehran agree to two-week pause
Defense secretary spoke to reporters in first press briefing since Trump announced ceasefire deal after 40 days of war
After 40 days and 40 nights of war, Pete Hegseth, the US defense secretary, on Wednesday pointed to divine providence while telling reporters that Iran’s weapons factories had been reduced to rubble, its military rendered ineffective for years and its supreme leader left wounded and disfigured, all for a temporary ceasefire.
“Iran begged for this ceasefire, and we all know it,” Hegseth said at the Pentagon’s first press briefing since Donald Trump announced a two-week pause in hostilities on Tuesday night. “Operation Epic Fury decimated Iran’s military and rendered it combat ineffective for years to come.”
Continue reading...
Joseph Gedeon in Washington · Wed, Apr 8, 2026, 8:54 AM
US news | The Guardian
Defense secretary spoke to reporters in first press briefing since Trump announced ceasefire deal after 40 days of war
After 40 days and 40 nights of war, Pete Hegseth, the US defense secretary, on Wednesday pointed to divine providence while telling reporters that Iran’s weapons factories had been reduced to rubble, its military rendered ineffective for years and its supreme leader left wounded and disfigured, all for a temporary ceasefire.
“Iran begged for this ceasefire, and we all know it,” Hegseth said at the Pentagon’s first press briefing since Donald Trump announced a two-week pause in hostilities on Tuesday night. “Operation Epic Fury decimated Iran’s military and rendered it combat ineffective for years to come.”
Continue reading...This page shows an excerpt; reporting belongs to the original publisher. Some images or embeds may be omitted compared with the live article.
← More stories · Front page