US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has characterized the military operation against Iran, titled "Epic Fury," as a "gift to the world," while urging the Iranian leadership to enter into a diplomatic agreement. According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the Pentagon chief made these remarks during a press briefing.
Hegseth emphasized that the operation demonstrated the significant capabilities and strength of the United States armed forces. "This bold and dangerous mission is a gift to the world," he stated, asserting that the United States achieved "decisive military results" within Iran. He further noted that Tehran now faces a critical choice regarding its future. "Iran has the opportunity to conclude a good, reasonable deal," the Secretary of Defense added.
During his address, Hegseth also criticized the current state of the Iranian military, specifically pointing to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He claimed that the weakened forces have effectively become a "pirate gang under the country's flag." "They cover their aggression with slogans, but the world now sees them for what they are. They control nothing. Their actions are the behavior of pirates and terrorists," the Pentagon chief remarked.
The military escalation and subsequent calls for negotiations come amid a broader strategic shift in the Middle East under the administration of US President Donald Trump. Operation "Epic Fury" is viewed by international analysts as a move to significantly degrade Tehran's regional influence and maritime interference capabilities. The IRGC, which serves as a primary branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, has been a central focus of US foreign policy and security measures aimed at ensuring regional stability and the protection of international shipping lanes.
