Hegseth claims Iran ‘begged’ for ceasefire after US and Tehran agree to two-week pause

The Guardian US News
by Joseph Gedeon in Washington
April 8, 2026
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2 min read

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claims Iran "begged" for a two-week ceasefire after 40 days of conflict.

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US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed Iran "begged" for a two-week ceasefire after 40 days of conflict, stating that US military action had decimated Iran's capabilities. Speaking at the Pentagon's first press briefing since President Donald Trump announced the deal, Hegseth asserted that Operation Epic Fury rendered Iran's military combat-ineffective for years. He described Iran's weapons factories as rubble and its supreme leader as wounded, suggesting these outcomes led to Iran's request for a pause in hostilities. This ceasefire follows 40 days of war between the US and Tehran.

What's Being Done

A two-week ceasefire has been agreed upon by the US and Tehran following 40 days of war.

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