United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that President Donald Trump had the power to cripple Iran’s entire economy in minutes but chose mercy by sparing targets after Iran accepted a ceasefire under overwhelming pressure. Hegseth made these remarks during a Pentagon press conference following Trump’s agreement to a two-week truce with Iran. He declared the conflict a “decisive military victory” for the US, noting the War Department had decimated Iran’s military capabilities.
Hegseth explained that the new Iranian regime understood a deal was far better than the fate awaiting them, having witnessed what happened to their predecessors. This comes amid a fragile US-Iran ceasefire sparking market relief, though analysts note challenges due to trust deficits. The truce requires Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, following Trump’s earlier threats of escalation if unmet.
Earlier, on March 31, Hegseth briefed that a regime change had occurred in Iran, with new leadership recognizing US terms for a potential deal. He highlighted US strikes degrading Iran’s missile, drone launches, and military morale through thousands of operations including dynamic targeting. Hegseth emphasized President Trump’s control over the war’s pace and mission to incapacitate Tehran’s capabilities, dismantle naval forces, and deny nuclear development.
On March 10, Hegseth vowed the most intense day of US strikes against Iran, stating the country was isolated and suffering significant losses. He outlined goals to forever deny Iran nuclear weapons amid joint US-Israel actions started February 28. Trump has adjusted objectives from Iranian freedom to installing compliant leadership from the existing regime.
Hegseth addressed troops’ readiness, reporting no requests for better equipment or returns home during Iran operations. On March 13, he declared “no quarter, no mercy” for adversaries as strikes continued, drawing criticism from rights groups for potential international law violations. Trump announced the ceasefire reversal from warnings of civilizational destruction if the Strait deadline passed.
Reports confirm US killed top Iranian officials including the supreme leader, though experts debate if governing institutions changed. Trump claimed “regime change” in Iran, with Hegseth echoing that a new regime emerged preferring negotiation. The two-week truce marks de-escalation after intense warfare, with Hegseth crediting Trump’s strategic mercy post-military dominance.
The Pentagon conference focused on the truce’s implications for Middle East stability and oil markets via Hormuz reopening. Hegseth’s comments underscore Trump’s deal-making approach, pressuring Iran through superior force while opting for ceasefire over total economic devastation. Ongoing monitoring ensures compliance, with readiness for intensification if talks fail.
This development follows weeks of US-Israel joint attacks on Iran, targeting missile sites, navy, and nuclear infrastructure. Hegseth repeatedly stressed relentless pursuit of objectives under Trump’s direction. The ceasefire provides breathing room, with the new Iranian leadership viewing it favorably against predecessors’ downfall.