Pentagon defends Iran strikes as ‘legendary' amid leaked doubts
ALBAWABA- The U.S. Department of Defense held a high-profile press conference at the Pentagon this morning to counter a leaked CIA assessment alleging that recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities had only a marginal effect.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeled the missions 'the most complex military operation in history' and demanded recognition for what he described as 'legendary' achievements by U.S. pilots.
Hegseth asserted, 'All reports confirm the destruction of the Fordow facility and damage to all the sites we targeted.'
He criticized media outlets like CNN and The New York Times, claiming they prioritize scandal over military success and misrepresent the campaign's effectiveness. He added that the leaked report is speculative and based on assumptions rather than facts.
BREAKING:
"[The attack on Iran] gives us a chance to have peace, chance to have a deal, and an opportunity to prevent a nuclear Iran, which President Trump talked about for 20 years and no other Presidents had the courage other actually do." -- Pete Hegseth
FACT CHECK: Obama… pic.twitter.com/9AgCGmsNkJ — Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) June 26, 2025
The Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman joined the briefing and confirmed that U.S. forces had strengthened defenses at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, acting on President Trump's direct orders, and successfully thwarted an Iranian missile attack.
He praised the "outstanding work" of American pilots in striking Iranian nuclear sites and affirmed that assets were evacuated before hostilities intensified.
In a simultaneous development, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social, accusing the media of a 'horror show' misinformation campaign aimed at discrediting both the mission and President Trump himself.
He called CNN and The New York Times 'Fake News' and promised that the Pentagon's conference would be 'irrefutable.'
Donald J. Trump Truth Social 06.25.25 05:13 PM EST
Secretary of Defense (War!) Pete Hegseth, together with Military Representatives, will be holding a Major News Conference tomorrow morning at 8 A.M. EST at The Pentagon, in order to fight for the Dignity of our Great American… — Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) June 25, 2025
Meanwhile, Iran took retaliatory steps by approving, via its parliamentary National Security Committee, a bill that suspends cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi responded, underscoring that Iran remains bound by its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
In a televised address, Iran's Supreme Leader dismissed the U.S. strikes as ultimately defensively advantageous for Iran, claiming they protected Israel from collapse.
He warned the U.S. and Israeli governments that Iran will never surrender and highlighted Iran's ability to target American military assets regionally, reinforcing Iran's stance that sanctions and military threats will not break the nation's will.
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