Pete Hegseth just broke his silence on the recent U.S. strikes against Iran, dropping some seriously strong words about “Operation Epic Fury”, calling it the “most lethal, most complex, and most-precision aerial operation in history.”
In a significant development, President Trump confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has ruled over Iran for more than three decades, has been killed.
Hegseth praised Trump for taking action, stating that the president “began dealing with this cancer” of Iran. He pointed out that for almost fifty years, Iran has consistently targeted and killed Americans while also seeking out the world’s most powerful weapons to further their radical cause. It sounds like the administration views this as a long-standing issue finally being confronted.
“Operation Epic Fury” sounds like the name of an 80s action movie…
The Defense Secretary made it clear that Iran “had their chance” to make a deal but “refused.” Now, he says, they are “suffering the consequences.” Hegseth issued stern warnings, emphasizing that any Iranian missiles targeting American people in the aftermath of “Operation Epic Fury” will not be tolerated. He also promised that the Iranian navy “will be destroyed.”
These comments from Hegseth come after the United States and Israel launched waves of strikes early Saturday morning against Iran. This followed weeks of escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. Iran wasn’t slow to respond, firing drones and ballistic missiles at Israel and attacking targets in other Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. It’s truly a fast-moving and complex situation.
Hegseth reiterated his tough stance, stating, “The United States did not start this conflict, but we will finish it.” He went on to issue a direct threat, saying, “If you kill or threaten Americans anywhere in the world, as Iran has, then we will hunt you down, and we will kill you.”
Images posted on the White House official X account showed Trump monitoring the military operation from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. Another photo showed Vice President Vance in the White House Situation Room alongside several Cabinet secretaries.
Hegseth wasn’t visible in those particular photos. However, he was reportedly present at Trump’s resort, also keeping a close eye on the strikes.
Hegseth concluded his post with a message of support for the military, saying, “Our warriors are the best in the world, and they are fully unleashed to achieve our objectives. May God’s providence protect them in this vital mission.”
Published: Mar 2, 2026 05:20 am