Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Wednesday that U.S. Forces will remain in the region “hanging around” following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire with Iran, although asserting that Iran understands “this agreement means that they will never, ever possess a nuclear weapon.”
Hegseth announced at Wednesday’s briefing that the Pentagon’s job in Iran is complete, but clarified that “we’re not going anywhere,” and that troops are “prepared to defend, prepared to head on offense, prepared to restart at a moment’s notice” to enforce the ceasefire. The briefing followed President Trump’s announcement late Tuesday that he had agreed to “suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks,” adding that the U.S. Had “already met and exceeded all Military objectives.”
A Swift Military Operation
According to Hegseth, the U.S. Military operation, dubbed “Epic Fury,” has “decimated Iran’s military and rendered it combat ineffective for years to come.” He stated that in less than 40 days, the U.S. “dismantled one of the world’s largest militaries,” and that Iran proved “utterly incapable of defending itself.”
President Trump stated early Wednesday that the agreement stipulates “there will be no enrichment of Uranium and the United States will, working with Iran, dig up and remove all of the deeply buried (B-2 Bombers) Nuclear ‘Dust.'”
Ceasefire and Regional Implications
The ceasefire announcement came after President Trump warned that “a whole civilization will die” if Iran did not agree to a deal. Hegseth explained that the U.S. Had “a target set locked and loaded of infrastructure, bridges, power plants,” and that Iran was aware of the scope of potential U.S. Action. He indicated that the threat to Iran’s energy export capabilities ultimately led to the agreement.
While the ceasefire was announced, at least three explosions were reported at Iran’s Lavan Island Oil Refinery, hours after Trump’s announcement. It remains unclear whether these explosions were the result of U.S. Or Israeli action.
Israel has as well agreed to the ceasefire, but its application does not extend to the ongoing conflict between Israel’s military and Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based Iranian proxy. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed Iran’s agreement to halt “defensive operations” – likely referring to drone and missile strikes – contingent on the U.S. Ceasing attacks on Iran. Iran’s armed forces will also coordinate to allow for “safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.” Vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz has resumed, with two ships transiting the waterway on Wednesday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the ceasefire?
The ceasefire between the U.S. And Iran is set to last for a period of two weeks, as announced by President Trump late Tuesday.
What are the terms of the agreement?
According to President Trump, the agreement stipulates that Iran will halt uranium enrichment and the U.S. Will work with Iran to remove deeply buried nuclear material.
Is the ceasefire comprehensive?
No, the ceasefire does not cover the fighting between Israel’s military and Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based Iranian proxy.
As the two-week ceasefire takes hold, will it lead to a lasting peace agreement between the U.S. And Iran?
