REPLAY: Hegseth claims Iran suffered 'devastating military defeat'

AFP / France 24
by FRANCE24
April 8, 2026
2 min read

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US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed the United States achieved a decisive military victory over Iran.

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US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed on Wednesday that the United States achieved a decisive military victory over Iran. Hegseth stated that Iran suffered a "devastating military defeat" and its missile program has been "functionally destroyed." This announcement followed a two-week ceasefire, suggesting a recent cessation of hostilities between the two nations. The Defense Secretary's remarks indicate a significant shift in the military balance of power in the Middle East, as perceived by the Trump administration.

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