Hegseth says ‘War Department has done its part,’ claims Iran agreed to deal after leadership weakened

08/04/2026

Hegseth says ‘War Department has done its part,’ claims Iran agreed to deal after leadership weakened

WASHINGTON, April 8: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday that Iran agreed to a deal after its leadership was severely weakened, claiming Tehran was “out of options and out of time.”

“The new Iranian regime understood that a deal was far better than the fate that awaited them,” Hegseth said at a Pentagon briefing.

He said Iran’s leadership had been “systematically eliminated,” listing multiple senior officials he claimed were killed.

“This new regime is out of options and out of time, so they cut a deal,” he said, adding that the agreement ensures Iran will “never, ever possess a nuclear weapon.”

Hegseth also said the United States had completed its military objectives against Iran and opened the door to a potential peace deal.

“The War Department, for now, has done its part,” he said. “Now we have a chance at real peace and a real deal.”

He added that Iran’s military capabilities had been significantly degraded, including its missile program and air defenses, and warned that Tehran would face further strikes if it failed to comply with the terms of the agreement.

Hegseth also claimed the US had been prepared to strike Iranian power plants, bridges, and energy infrastructure but did not proceed after Iran accepted a ceasefire under what he described as overwhelming pressure.

He said US forces remained ready to act if necessary to ensure Iran upheld the terms of the deal.