Hegseth: 'Iran's Nuclear Program Obliterated' in Overnight U.S. Strikes

By Kamaran Aziz

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth delivered a detailed Pentagon briefing on Sunday following the overnight U.S. airstrikes that targeted three of Iran's key nuclear facilities. The strikes, ordered by President Donald J. Trump, hit Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, aiming to eliminate what Washington described as Iran's nuclear threat.

"Last night, on President Trump's orders, U.S. Central Command conducted a precision strike in the middle of the night against three nuclear facilities in Iran—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—in order to destroy or severely degrade Iran's nuclear program," Hegseth said, opening the press briefing.

Hegseth emphasized that the operation did not target Iranian troops or civilians. "The order we received from our Commander in Chief was focused. It was powerful, and it was clear," he said. "We devastated the Iranian nuclear program."

He credited President Trump’s leadership as key to what he called a historic military success. "Thanks to President Trump's bold and visionary leadership and his commitment to peace through strength, Iran's nuclear ambitions have been obliterated. Many presidents have dreamed of delivering the final blow to Iran's nuclear program, and none could—until President Trump."

Describing the operation as "bold and brilliant," Hegseth asserted that it demonstrated the return of American deterrence. "The most powerful military the world has ever known" carried out the strike with unmatched precision, he said.

Hegseth compared the current operation to the 2020 U.S. strike that killed Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani. "Just like Soleimani found out in the first term, Iran found out when POTUS says sixty days that he seeks peace and negotiation, he means sixty days of peace and negotiation. Otherwise, that nuclear program, that nuclear capability will not exist. He meant it."

He then cited a Truth Social post by President Trump made after the operation: "Any retaliation by Iran against the United States of America will be met with force far greater than what was witnessed tonight. Signed, the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump."

"Iran would be smart to heed those words. He said it before, and he means it," Hegseth warned.

Hegseth extended praise to the military personnel involved, including General Eric Kurilla, Commander of U.S. CENTCOM, and CENTCOM leadership. "I want to recognize the pilots who flew those bombers, who flew those fighters, who flew those refuelers—warriors."

He also acknowledged sailors aboard destroyers, submarines, and carriers, and soldiers handling air defense and quick reaction forces. "Every American involved in this operation performed flawlessly."

Hegseth revealed that the strike involved months of preparation, operational security, and misdirection. "Our B-2s went in and out of these nuclear sites and back without the world knowing at all. In that way, it was historic."

The mission, according to Hegseth, marked the longest B-2 Spirit bomber mission since 2001 and featured the first operational use of the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a 30,000-pound bunker-busting bomb.

Hegseth stated that the mission demonstrated the effectiveness of allied and joint military integration. "As President Trump has stated, the United States does not seek war. But let me be clear—we will act swiftly and decisively when our people, our partners, or our interests are threatened."

He concluded with words of praise and patriotism: "Congratulations to our Commander in Chief. It was an honor to watch him lead last night and throughout. And to our great American warriors on this successful operation—God bless our troops. God bless America, and we give glory to God for His providence and continue to ask for His protection."

Hegseth then handed the briefing over to Dan Caine, United States Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for operational specifics.