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Pentagon Victory Claims
Hegseth declared a capital V military victory over Iran.
“Van Hollen slammed Hegseth after the secretary praised the military operation as a historic and overwhelming victory”
Senator Van Hollen accused Hegseth of blowing smoke, trying to deceive the American people.
The Washington Post reported that Hegseth's assessments misled both the public and President Trump.
Contradictions and Backlash
Hegseth's claims clashed with battlefield realities and internal Pentagon contradictions.
Iran reopened then re-closed the Strait of Hormuz, controlled by Tehran throughout.
The Christian Science Monitor observed that for Iran, success means having survived.
Iran and Regional Reactions
The ceasefire came after Trump threatened to annihilate a whole civilization.
“Iran's supreme national security council said nearly all the objectives of the war have been achieved”
Iran also declared victory.
Israel continued deepening strikes on Lebanon.
Congressional and Public Sentiment
The war remained contentious at home despite Hegseth's declarations.
Polling consistently showed a majority of Americans disapproved of the strikes.
Congressional Democrats demanded briefings on the constitutional basis for action.