WASHINGTON D.C January 29, 2026 – U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praised the military’s execution of a major airstrike operation against Iranian nuclear facilities during a cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump on Wednesday, emphasizing the restoration of American deterrence on the global stage.
In remarks captured on video and shared by the White House Rapid Response account, Hegseth directly addressed the president, stating: “We’re having to rebuild how our enemies perceive us, and when @POTUS said we’re not getting a nuclear Iran… he meant it—and we sent those B-2s halfway around the world, and they never noticed.”
The comments refer to Operation Midnight Hammer, a U.S.-led operation in June 2025 that targeted three key Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow and Natanz, using B-2 Spirit stealth bombers equipped with massive ordnance penetrators. The strikes, described by military officials as one of the most sophisticated raids in history, significantly damaged Iran’s nuclear infrastructure without prior detection by Iranian forces.
Hegseth linked the need for such actions to perceived weaknesses under the previous Biden administration, citing events including the Afghanistan withdrawal, the war in Ukraine, and the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel as conflicts that “never would have happened” under Trump’s leadership.
He further assured readiness for ongoing challenges with Iran, saying the “War Department” — a term he used for the Department of Defense — would “deliver whatever this president expects,” including ensuring Iran has options to negotiate but warning against pursuing nuclear capabilities.
The remarks come amid escalating tensions, with President Trump recently warning of potential further strikes if Tehran does not agree to a nuclear deal. Reports indicate Iran has begun limited rebuilding efforts at damaged sites, prompting renewed U.S. military posturing in the region.
The operation in 2025 involved over 100 aircraft and marked the first direct U.S. strikes inside Iran, drawing international attention for its precision and scale.
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