LIVE: Hegseth and Caine hold a briefing on Iran

Rapid dismantling of Iranian military power

Central Command destroyed one of the world's largest militaries in 38 days using less than 10% of US combat power, rendering Iran combat ineffective for years to come.

Massive precision strike operations

US forces struck over 13,000 targets including 4,000 dynamic targets, conducting more than 10,000 missions with 18 round-trip bomber flights from the United States.

Limited US footprint and casualties

Approximately 50,000 American warfighters intercepted 1,700 ballistic missiles and drones while suffering 13 killed in action during the entire campaign.

Complete naval annihilation

The Iranian Navy lost 90% of its regular fleet including all major surface combatants with 150 ships sunk, plus half of IRGC Navy attack boats and 95% of naval mines destroyed.

Elimination of air and missile defenses

US forces destroyed 80% of Iran's air defense systems (500+ targets), 450 ballistic missile storage facilities, and 800 drone storage facilities while establishing total air superiority.

Devastation of defense industrial base

Approximately 90% of weapons factories were destroyed including all Shahed drone production facilities, 80% of missile facilities, and 20+ naval production sites, preventing military reconstitution for years.

Crippling of nuclear infrastructure

Nearly 80% of Iran's nuclear industrial base was struck, with remaining nuclear material buried and monitored 24/7 under terms requiring removal of all unauthorized material.

Regime capitulation after leadership decapitation

Iran accepted the ceasefire under overwhelming pressure after its top leadership was systematically eliminated including the Supreme Leader, Defense Minister, IRGC commander, and numerous high-ranking officials.

Permanent nuclear prohibition enforced

The agreement ensures Iran will never possess nuclear weapons, with all unauthorized nuclear material to be removed and current stockpiles buried under constant surveillance.

Economic infrastructure spared by choice

President Trump spared Iran's power plants, bridges, and oil infrastructure despite having the capability to destroy the economy in minutes, choosing mercy after Iran accepted terms.

Daring combat rescue operation

A 14-hour joint force operation successfully rescued two downed Air Force pilots via daylight thunder run and midnight raid deep into Iranian territory with zero American casualties during the extraction.

Honoring fallen service members

The officials honored 13 American service members killed in action, emphasizing their sacrifice achieved historic retribution for decades of Iranian terror attacks against US troops.