In a tense Pentagon briefing on June 26, 2025, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vehemently defended the recent US airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, codenamed 'Operation Midnight Hammer', amid conflicting reports about their effectiveness [1][2].

The controversy stems from a leaked Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report that contradicted President Donald Trump's assertion that Iran's nuclear facilities had been "obliterated" [1]. The report suggested that the strikes may have only set back Iran's nuclear program by months, not destroying its core components [3].

Hegseth, visibly emotional, accused the media of harboring "hatred" for Trump, claiming this bias was behind efforts to verify the extent of the damage to the Fordow nuclear facility in Iran [1]. "You want to call it destroyed, you want to call it defeated, you want to call it obliterated — choose your word. This was an historically successful attack," Hegseth stated during the combative press session [2].

The Defense Secretary, along with General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, attempted to shift the focus from the debate over the term "obliterated" to what they described as the heroism of the strikes and the extensive preparation involved [2]. They provided new details about military tactics and explosives used, though specific information about the setback to Iran's atomic program remained limited [2].

Adding to the complexity of the situation, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, claimed that the US "gained nothing" from the attacks [4]. This statement has further fueled skepticism about the strikes' effectiveness.

The operation, which took place on June 21, 2025, involved over 125 aircraft, including seven B-2 stealth bombers [4]. Despite the Pentagon's assertions, questions persist about the actual impact of the strikes on Iran's nuclear capabilities.

As the debate continues, the incident highlights the challenges in verifying military claims and the role of media in scrutinizing government statements. It also underscores the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, with potential global implications for nuclear non-proliferation efforts and Middle East stability.