Defense Secretary Hegseth Defends Iran Strikes, Blasts Media Coverage🛡️
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Historically Successful Strikes🎯
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday strongly defended the recent American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, describing them as “historically successful.” He dismissed leaked intelligence reports suggesting the impact was only temporary and insisted the mission had a significant effect on Iran’s capabilities.
“Destroyed, defeated, obliterated – choose your word,” Hegseth declared during a Pentagon press briefing. He emphasized that the operation delivered a serious blow to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
President Donald Trump echoed this sentiment, calling the strikes “devastating” and warning that questioning their success was “unpatriotic” and disrespectful to the pilots involved.
Disputed Intelligence Assessments🕵️
Despite leaked reports indicating that Iran's program may only be delayed, Hegseth stood firm, stating, “There’s nothing I’ve seen that suggests we didn’t hit exactly what we aimed for.” He rejected claims that key nuclear materials had been moved before the bombing, particularly at the Fordow facility.
Satellite imagery had shown truck activity at Fordow prior to the strike, prompting questions from reporters. Hegseth maintained that the intelligence did not support the notion of a pre-strike evacuation of enriched uranium.
Media Criticism & Leaks📰
Hegseth opened the briefing by blasting the press, accusing reporters of being more interested in political scandal than military success. “You cheer against the success of this operation because it doesn’t fit your narrative,” he charged.
He was particularly critical of coverage based on leaked intelligence, saying, “Leaks come with an agenda,” and branding much of the media’s reporting as “irresponsible.”
Questions Over Fordow Facility🏭
Repeated inquiries about Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility centered on whether Iran had successfully moved enriched uranium before the airstrikes. Hegseth insisted there was no credible evidence of such activity. “I’m not aware of any intelligence suggesting that critical material was moved before the strike,” he stated.
Gender Recognition Controversy👩✈️
Hegseth also addressed criticism about his post-strike comments, specifically his reference to “the boys,” which some viewed as dismissive of the female pilot who participated in the mission.
“It’s a common phrase,” he said. “I’m very proud of that female pilot—just like I’m proud of the male pilots.”
He pushed back against what he called “identity politics” in media coverage. “We don’t care if it’s a male or female in the cockpit—the American people don’t care. That’s not how we operate anymore,” Hegseth concluded.
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