Hegseth Defends US Strike on Iran, Caine Confirms Bombs Hit Targets/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth lauded the strike as a “huge deal” in continental security but offered minimal evidence of lasting impact. Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine affirmed bombs functioned as intended, noting weapons penetrated Fordow’s concrete-capped shaft. Hegseth accused media of irresponsibly promoting “preliminary” assessments, pushing for on-site confirmation before drawing conclusions.
Quick Look
- Historic Security Move: Hegseth declared the strike as transformative, blaming media for ignoring its significance.
- Bombs Functioned: Caine confirmed 30,000‑lb bunker‑busters operated as planned—penetrated concrete and exploded.
- Intel Dispute: Early DIA report indicated only temporary setback; Pentagon chops at “biased leaks” and preliminary conclusions.
- Media Under Fire: Hegseth condemned “fake news” and biased outlets for rushing judgment.
- Iran’s Material: Hegseth said no indication Iran moved nuclear assets before the strike.
- Patriot Defense: Caine praised the largest-ever Patriot missile engagement at Al Udeid in Qatar during Iran’s retaliation.
Hegseth Defends ‘Historic’ US Strike on Iran, Caine Confirms Bombs Hit Targets
Deep Look
Pentagon briefing room, Thursday — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alongside Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine, mounted a fierce defense of the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Hegseth called it a “historic change in continental security” that surpassed past presidents’ rhetoric and justified President Trump’s bold military action.
“With all the ink spilled… find the time to properly recognize this historic change,” Hegseth urged the press, positioning the strike as a long-overdue strategic achievement.
Yet when pressed on whether the strikes permanently damaged Iran’s nuclear program, Hegseth offered little new data.
“I’m not aware of any intelligence… that says things were not where they were supposed to be,” he said, casting doubt on reports of Iran relocating nuclear materials.
Citing a preliminary Defense Intelligence Agency report suggesting only a modest delay to Iran’s nuclear timeline, Hegseth argued the assessment was based on incomplete data.
“Preliminary—day and a half after the strike… it admits itself it requires weeks to accumulate the necessary data.”
Bombs Hit Their Mark
Gen. Caine provided deeper technical insight, affirming that the bunker-busters “functioned as designed”—confirming their explosive detonation via multiple intelligence sources.
“Weapons… guided to their intended targets… exploded… we were visibly able to see them.”
He added that Iranian engineers attempted to seal the Fordow enrichment site with concrete:
“They covered the shafts… planners accounted for everything… the cap was forcibly removed by the first weapon.”
Despite precise execution, he acknowledged that long-term implications on Iran’s nuclear capabilities remain to be evaluated by intelligence agencies.
Media Under Fire
Hegseth did not mince words in criticizing journalistic coverage:
“Biased leaks to biased publications… If you want to know what’s going on at Fordo, you better go there and get a big shovel.”
He charged that premature “leaks” shaped public perception before a comprehensive damage assessment could be completed.
Iran’s Retaliation and U.S. Response
Turning to recent Iranian missile fire, Gen. Caine celebrated the response at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. He praised the engagement as the largest-ever deployment of Patriot missile systems protecting U.S. personnel.
“Forty-four American service members… rounds of Patriot missiles… successful American defense of… the largest single Patriot engagement in U.S. military history.”
This strategic success, he emphasized, reframes the narrative from media criticism to valor.
Broader Context
Trump’s Reaction: The president signaled his support, calling the press conference “interesting and irrefutable,” while warning media over “FAKE stories.”
- Damage Uncertain: The Pentagon emphasized only time and on-site verification can determine the true extent of the strike’s impact.
- Operational Success, Strategic Unknown: While the U.S. clearly struck targets as planned, Iran’s nuclear rebuilding timeline remains uncertain.
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