WASHINGTON — US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Sunday that a series of coordinated American military strikes have dealt a devastating blow to Iran’s nuclear program, describing the operation as an overwhelming success.
Speaking at a Pentagon press briefing alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, Hegseth detailed the scale of the assault, which involved 14 bunker-buster bombs, more than two dozen Tomahawk missiles, and over 125 military aircraft. The mission, dubbed “Operation Midnight,” was aimed squarely at dismantling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
“These strikes have obliterated Iran’s nuclear ambitions,” Hegseth told reporters, emphasizing that the attacks were carefully targeted to avoid Iranian troops and civilians.
General Caine underscored the precision and planning behind the operation, while Hegseth credited President Trump’s leadership for the bold and decisive action. “This operation demonstrates that American deterrence is back. When this president speaks, the world should listen,” Hegseth said.
The strikes mark a dramatic escalation in a region already gripped by conflict, with ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon and instability in Syria. With tensions at a boiling point, the world is watching closely to see how Iran and other regional powers will respond to the latest developments.