The Pentagon briefing provided an overview of recent events but lacked clarity on future actions.
Neither Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth nor General Dan “Raisin” Caine, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, could offer definitive answers.
Mr. Hegseth termed the bombing an “incredible and overwhelming success,” crediting President Trump with “focused and clear” directives.
Attention now turns to the next steps, which remain uncertain.
The briefing revealed details about the military’s deception strategy behind Operation Midnight Hammer.
B-2 stealth bombers were deployed westward towards the Pacific as a diversion, while other B-2s carrying bunker-busting munitions headed east towards Iran.
Israel-Iran Live: Global Reactions to U.S. Attack on Nuclear Sites
For enhanced accessibility, use the Chrome browser.
Mr. Hegseth described it as a plan that involved months of positioning and ultimately hinged on “precision, misdirection, and operational security.”
General Caine offered a cautious evaluation. Although Mr. Trump had mentioned the obliteration of Iran’s nuclear facilities, General Caine later characterized the outcome as “extremely severe damage.”
A complete battle damage assessment will provide a clearer picture; only then can the mission’s success be comprehensively evaluated, especially since Iran moved some of its enriched uranium prior to the strike.
On the political front, Mr. Hegseth asserted that this operation was not aimed at regime change in Iran, a statement that may provide little comfort to Tehran, particularly as he emphasized part of the mission’s intent was to defend Israel.
For enhanced accessibility, use the Chrome browser.
If the U.S. is aligned with Israel’s interests to the extent of launching an unprecedented attack on Iran, where does its influence end?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared almost euphoric following the U.S. action, feeling emboldened by Mr. Trump’s vigorous response to his concerns about Iran.
Concerns surrounding Netanyahu’s sway over Mr. Trump surfaced when Mr. Hegseth was questioned about the rationale behind the assault. He has long pressed the U.S. President regarding Iran potentially nearing the development of a nuclear weapon, which contrasts with American intelligence assessments.
When asked whether the intelligence was American or sourced from abroad, Mr. Hegseth sidestepped the question, merely stating that Mr. Trump reviewed all intelligence and deemed Iran a threat.
Numerous inquiries about the future were met with vague answers from Mr. Hegseth.
For enhanced accessibility, use the Chrome browser.
Read more:
Iran may still retain the capability to develop a nuclear weapon
Iran could consider targeting Americans as retaliation
A consistent message was that the U.S. seeks to encourage Iran to pursue peace, while also hinting at the possibility of further aggression should negotiations fail.
The U.S. Defense Secretary mentioned that Washington is maintaining communication with Tehran, both privately and publicly, offering multiple opportunities for peace.
He emphasized that American forces did not target Iranian troops or civilians, a strategic move by the U.S. to alleviate responses and keep channels open.
The aim is for this attack to be a “one-and-done” operation.
However, the situation is complicated, with Iran claiming the diplomatic avenue is now closed and its foreign minister set to meet with Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Although Iran has been significantly weakened, its reduced capacity to retaliate signifies a temporary situation rather than a permanent state, especially without extensive regional support.
Donald Trump seems to bask in the feeling of military triumph but will likely remain cautious about potential repercussions and uncertainties that lie ahead.
In matters with global significance, he won’t be the only one keeping an eye on the outcomes.