Hegseth declares victory in Iran but says US forces will remain in region

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed Wednesday that American forces have secured a "historic and overwhelming victory" against Iran but said military assets will remain in the region to ensure Tehran's new leaders comply with the terms of a tentative peace deal between the nations.

"We'll be hanging around. We're not going anywhere," Hegseth said during a Pentagon press conference a day after President Donald Trump announced a two-week pause in fighting amid peace negotiations. "Our troops are prepared to defend, prepared to go on offense, prepared to restart at a moment's notice with whatever target package would be needed."