(The Lion) — Secretary of War Pete Hegseth described Operation Epic Fury as a decisive campaign against Iran that has obtained all its military objectives.

Hegseth appeared with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, at the Pentagon today for a press briefing.

The pair detailed the current status of U.S. forces after the announcement from President Donald Trump Tuesday night of a cease-fire with Iran.

“Iran has been a threat to the United States and the free world for 47 years,” said Hegseth. “President Trump made history, from the strike that took out Qassem Soleimani to tearing up the disastrous Obama Iran deal, to the precision campaign that obliterated Iran’s nuclear sites in Operation Midnight Hammer, to the decisive military victory we just achieved in Operation Epic Fury.”

Epic Fury, which lasted 38 days, dismantled Iran’s military capabilities, including its navy, air force, missile program and defense industrial base.

“​Epic Fury decimated Iran’s military and rendered it combat-ineffective for years to come,” said Hegseth.

He noted that Iran’s Navy is at the bottom of the sea, its air force has been wiped out and their “missile program is functionally destroyed.”

General Caine said the U.S. Joint Force struck over 13,000 targets, destroyed 80% of Iran’s air defense systems, 95% of its naval mines and 90% of its weapons factories.

“​Throughout Operation Epic Fury, our Joint Force struck at the heart of Iran’s ability to project power and threaten the United States in the region,” Caine said.

Caine also paid renewed tribute to the rescue missions to recover two downed pilots.

He described the rescues as a testament to the courage and professionalism of the U.S. military which showed “selfless sacrifice in service of others.”

Hegseth noted that Iran “begged for” the cease-fire agreement, which includes provisions to ensure that Iran will never possess a nuclear weapon.

“Under the terms, any nuclear material they should not have will be removed right now,” he said.

Hegseth also emphasized Trump has been clear from the beginning about the goals of the war.

“There will be no Iranian nuclear weapons. ​ Period. Full stop,” said Hegseth.

When asked about the future of U.S. military presence in the region, Hegseth told reporters American forces will remain in the area.

“We’ll be hanging around,” he said. “We’re not going anywhere. ​We’re going to make sure Iran complies with this ceasefire and ultimately comes to the table and makes a deal.”

The press conference also addressed concerns about Iran’s continued military activity despite the ceasefire.

Hegseth noted that sometimes it takes a little while for word of a cease-fire to circulate, especially in the case of Iran, where they’re operating with a decimated command and control.

“​Iran would be wise to find a way to get the carrier pigeon to their troops out in remote locations to know not to shoot any longer,” he said.​

The War Department chief also highlighted the role of America’s allies in the region, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan, who fought alongside U.S. forces.

He then pivoted to thanking God.

“Our troops, our American warriors, deserve the credit for this day, but God deserves all the glory,” Hegseth said. ​

He later honored the specific sacrifices made by American troops.

“To the warriors of Epic Fury, I say well done,” he said. “You’re the backbone of our country. Your skill, your bravery and sheer guts and grit showed the world what America is all about.”

When asked exactly how the U.S. would make sure Iran gives up all its nuclear material, Hegseth was coy but decisive about American plans.

“We know what they have, and they will give it up, and we’ll get it, and we’ll take it if we have to. We can do it in any means necessary,” he said.

Hegseth made clear that while regime change was never the objective of the war, he hopes the Iranians seize this moment to change their own regime.

He called the Iranian people a “brave people” who have suffered unspeakable abuses at the hands of their own government.

“They have been oppressed by the previous regime, and they’ll have a new opportunity with this [new] regime that remains to be seen,” Hegseth concluded.