The United States has asserted overwhelming control over Iranian airspace and waterways following a military campaign in response to an alleged assassination attempt on President Donald Trump.
Speaking at a news conference in Washington DC on Wednesday, the U.S. Secretary of War Peter Hegseth outlined the scale and intensity of ongoing operations, emphasizing that the conflict is “never meant to be a fair fight, and it is not a fair fight”.
“Iran tried to take the life of President Trump, but President Trump got the last laugh,” the Secretary said.
“We’ve taken control of Iran’s airspace and waterways. The terms of this war will be set by us. Iran will never access a nuclear bomb—not on our watch.”
The briefing highlighted the U.S. operations under Operation Epic Fury, which the Secretary said has delivered “twice the air power of shock and awe of Iraq in 2003,” with seven times the intensity of Israel’s previous operations against Iran over a 12-day period.
The Secretary detailed the scope of American air dominance: Continuous flights by B-2s, B-52s, B-1s, Predator drones, and fighter jets over Tehran and Iranian military sites.
Targeted strikes on Iran’s missile and defense infrastructure, leadership, and critical military facilities.
Deployment of precision-guided 500, 1,000, and 2,000-pound bombs, alongside an extensive stockpile of standoff munitions.
“The enemy can no longer shoot the volume of missiles they once did,” he said. “Our air defenses and those of our allies can sustain this fight easily for as long as we need to. We set the terms.”
Hegseth also claimed major U.S. successes against Iranian naval and military forces, including the sinking of Iran’s warship Soleimani and other vessels in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean.
He described the Iranian Air Force as “built for 1996, destroyed in 2026,” and said that Iranian leadership structures have been decimated.
According to the briefing, the operation targeted and eliminated the head of the unit responsible for the alleged assassination attempt on Trump.
While some Iranian missiles and drones may still pose threats, the Secretary insisted that the U.S. and its allies would continue to neutralize these capabilities.
“This is not a mission accomplished situation. This is simply a reality check,” he said.
“The combination of U.S. and Israeli intelligence and combat power will control Iran and will control it soon.”
The Secretary underscored the strategic aim: to obliterate Iran’s missile and drone production, destroy its navy, secure critical infrastructure, and permanently prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
“Our offensive and defensive operations are designed to protect American lives while decisively crushing the enemy before they can strike again,” he said.
“Unlike past vague red lines, we act decisively, and we finish what we start.”
The Secretary concluded by commending Israel for its cooperation, calling the partnership “a true force multiplier” in executing operations with “unmatched skill and iron determination.”
War: US declares total control of Iran airspace, waterways