US to enforce Iran ceasefire, Hegseth says as military stands ready ‘at a moment’s notice'

WASHINGTON, DC: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday, April 8, said the United States will ensure Iran complies with a newly established ceasefire, emphasizing that US forces remain prepared for further action if necessary.

His remarks follow a major military campaign referred to as “Operation Epic Fury,” which targeted key Iranian capabilities. 

Senior military officials described the operation as extensive and decisive. The comments come amid ongoing tensions and efforts to transition from active conflict to negotiations.

Hegseth, US will enforce ceasefire, ready for action

Hegseth said the US intends to closely monitor Iran’s adherence to the ceasefire and maintain a strong military posture in the region.

“We're going to make sure Iran complies with this ceasefire, and then ultimately comes to the table and makes a deal,” he said.

He added that US forces remain prepared for multiple scenarios. “We'll stay put, stay ready, stay vigilant...our troops are prepared to defend, prepared to go on offense, prepared to restart at a moment's notice,” Hegseth said.

He described the outcome of recent military operations as decisive, stating, “Iran begged for this ceasefire, and we all know it... Operation Epic Fury was a historic and overwhelming victory on the battlefield.” He said the campaign significantly weakened Iran’s military infrastructure.

“Iran's navy is at the bottom of the sea... Iran's air force has been wiped out. Iran no longer has any sort of a comprehensive air defense system... Their missile program is functionally destroyed,” Hegseth said.

He also said that while the United States could escalate further, restraint was exercised. “@POTUS had the power to cripple Iran's entire economy in minutes, but he chose mercy. He spared those targets because Iran accepted the ceasefire under overwhelming pressure,” Hegseth said.

On Iran’s nuclear program, he reiterated a longstanding US position. “It's always been non-negotiable that they won't have nuclear capabilities... We know exactly what they have, and they know that... What the new Iranian regime knows is they'll never have a nuclear weapon or the capability to get a path to one,” he said.

Hegseth also reflected on past conflicts, stating, “For decades, Iran killed Americans with roadside bombs in Iraq, using cowardly proxies to do their dirty work... They thought they could bleed America with impunity. Well, they just learned the hard way what happens when you try to fight us directly.”

Military leaders detail scope of ‘Operation Epic Fury’ 

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Dan Caine provided details about the objectives and execution of the operation, which he said was launched on February 28 following orders from the president.

“On February 28, @POTUS ordered the Joint Force to execute Operation Epic Fury with the direct direction to accomplish three distinct military objectives: destroy Iran's ballistic missile and drone capabilities, destroy the Iranian navy, and destroy their defense industrial base,” Caine said.

He described the operational environment as complex and unpredictable. “This is gritty and unforgiving business. It’s chaotic, it’s hot, it’s dark, it’s unpredictable, and there’s always unknowns, and our people proudly walked into those unknown and continued forward,” he said.