9 hours ago
US Defence Secretary claims Iran strikes were 'overwhelming success'
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Sunday described the overnight strikes on Iran's nuclear sites as 'incredible and overwhelming,' calling the operation one of the most complex and successful in recent military history.
Speaking from Washington, Hegseth said the mission was the result of weeks of planning and coordination, aimed solely at dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities - not targeting its population or military forces.
'President Trump's plan was bold and brilliant,' he said. 'American deterrence is back.'
According to Hegseth, the operation involved:
14 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, or bunker busters, dropped at around 2:10 am local time on Sunday, followed by Tomahawk missiles.
A total of 75 precision-guided weapons were used.
"Deception tactics" were employed, and Iran's air defenses never detected the strike, he said.
All three targeted nuclear sites - Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan - sustained "extreme damage and destruction," he added.
The mission marked the "largest B-2 bomber strike in US history".
Hegseth warned Iran against retaliation, calling it a 'poor choice.' He emphasised that the mission 'was not and has never been about regime change.'
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks at the Pentagon after strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, 22 June 2025 (Reuters/Handout)
