Following the successful execution of Operation Midnight Hammer, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that Iran’s nuclear ambitions had been “obliterated.” Speaking at a Pentagon press briefing on Sunday, Hegseth credited former President Donald Trump’s bold and visionary leadership for the success of the strikes, which targeted Iran’s three key underground nuclear sites — Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
“For over a decade, President Trump has made it unequivocally clear that Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon,” Hegseth said. “Thanks to his bold and visionary leadership, and his unwavering commitment to peace through strength, Iran’s nuclear capabilities have been neutralised.”
The defence secretary emphasised that while many past presidents aspired to deal a final blow to the Iran nuclear program, it was only under Trump’s command that such a decisive strike became reality. “Many presidents have dreamed of delivering the final blow to Iran’s nuclear programme. None could — until President Trump,” he added. Referring to the planning and execution of the operation, Hegseth called it both "bold and brilliant," highlighting that it demonstrated the return of American deterrence. “This mission showed the world that American deterrence is back. When this president speaks, the world listens — and the US military can back it up,” he said.
He praised the unmatched strength and capabilities of the US armed forces, stating, “The most powerful military the world has ever known. No other nation on Earth could have carried out such an operation — not even close.” Reinforcing Trump’s dual approach of diplomacy and readiness, Hegseth said, “When the President offers 60 days for peace and negotiation, he means it. But if that offer is rejected, the nuclear capability in question will no longer exist.”
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Drawing a sharp contrast with previous administrations, the Defence Secretary reiterated Trump’s firm stance: “This is not the previous administration. President Trump said no nukes. He wants peace — and Iran should choose that path.”
Earlier on Sunday, Trump addressed the nation from the White House, describing the US airstrikes on Iran as “very successful.” He confirmed that American forces carried out massive precision strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, warning Tehran of further action if it refuses to pursue peace.
Iran, in response, strongly condemned the strikes. In a statement issued by the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI), Tehran called the U.S. attacks “savage aggression” and labeled them a violation of international law, including the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). “Iran’s nuclear sites were subjected to savage aggression—an act in violation of international laws, particularly the NPT,” the statement read. Despite the strikes, Iran vowed to continue its nuclear programme, intensifying fears of further escalation in the already volatile region.
Also Read: Operation Midnight Hammer: US hit Iran’s N-sites in 25 minutes
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