The Pentagon announced Wednesday that major combat operations in Iran have paused following a two-week ceasefire, though Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that American forces are “not going anywhere” until the terms of the agreement are fully met.
Speaking from the briefing room, Hegseth stated that while the U.S. military has achieved its primary goals, troops remain prepared to “restart at a moment’s notice” to ensure Tehran complies with a permanent end to its nuclear ambitions.
The halt in hostilities follows a Tuesday night announcement from President Trump, who confirmed a suspension of “the bombing and attack of Iran” after declaring that the military had “exceeded all objectives.”
Under the terms of the deal, Iran must cease all uranium enrichment. Furthermore, U.S. forces will work on-site to “dig up and remove” deeply buried nuclear materials, which the President characterized as “nuclear dust.”
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Hegseth described the 38-day campaign, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, as a “historic and overwhelming victory” that decimated Iran’s military capabilities. “In less than 40 days, we dismantled one of the world’s largest militaries,” Hegseth said, adding that the state sponsor of terrorism was “utterly incapable of defending itself” against a fraction of American power.
He emphasized that the pressure of total economic and infrastructural destruction—including threats to eliminate Iran’s energy export capabilities—is what ultimately forced the Iranian leadership to the table.
General Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that the Joint Force achieved its defined military objectives and expressed hope that Iran would choose a “lasting peace.”
However, the transition to a ceasefire has already faced hurdles. Shortly after the announcement, Iranian state media reported three explosions near the Lavan Island Oil Refinery. It remains unclear if these blasts were the result of new strikes by U.S. or Israeli forces.
While Israel has agreed to the ceasefire proposal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office clarified that the pause does not extend to Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Iran would halt “defensive operations” and coordinate safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz provided U.S. attacks cease.
Signs of a shift appeared quickly in global markets and shipping lanes. Oil prices dropped below $100 a barrel as stocks rallied, and maritime monitoring services recorded the first commercial vessels, including the Greek-owned NJ Earth, transiting the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict intensified. Despite the initial movement, Hegseth maintained a cautious stance on the ground. “We’re watching it,” he said. “We hope and believe that it will hold.”
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