Trump and Pentagon Hail Iran Ceasefire as ‘Historic Victory’ Amid Lingering Doubts

The Trump administration wasted no time on Wednesday morning declaring Operation Epic Fury a “historic and overwhelming victory” after the announcement of a two-week ceasefire with Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the campaign’s rapid dismantling of Iran’s military capabilities, while Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen. Dan Caine stressed that American troops would remain on standby should hostilities resume.

Yet the ceasefire’s durability is already in question. Iranian state media reported that Tehran had closed the crucial Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli attacks on Lebanon—a direct violation of ceasefire terms. White House press secretary Karoline Levitt dismissed those reports as false, insisting privately that the strait remains open and that Iran must comply immediately.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made clear that the ceasefire does not extend to Israel’s ongoing conflict with the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia, highlighting the regional instability that continues to fester despite Washington’s claims of success.

The ceasefire deal reportedly includes Iran’s acceptance of a 10-point peace plan, which demands the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a halt to attacks on Iranian territory, and the withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from the region. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council hailed the agreement as a victory, urging unity and defiance until the terms are fully finalized.

Operation Epic Fury, launched less than 40 days ago, has struck over 13,000 targets inside Iran, including missile stockpiles, production facilities, and naval vessels. The Pentagon claims to have destroyed 80% of Iran’s air defense systems and sunk 90% of its naval fleet, severely crippling Tehran’s military reach.

But this military triumph comes amid serious questions about the broader consequences. The Strait of Hormuz has been a flashpoint, with its partial closure triggering spikes in global oil prices and threatening economic fallout. Gasoline prices in the U.S. have already climbed to an average of $4.16 per gallon.

President Trump’s aggressive rhetoric—threatening to obliterate Iran’s infrastructure “a whole civilization will die tonight”—underscores the administration’s willingness to escalate conflict. Yet the contradictory messages between public statements and private assurances reveal a chaotic approach to diplomacy and war.

For all the Pentagon’s boasts and the White House’s spin, the ceasefire appears more like a tactical pause than a lasting peace. With Tehran’s defiance, Israel’s ongoing battles, and U.S. forces lingering in the region, the shadow of renewed violence looms large. This “historic victory” may be just another chapter in a grinding, unresolved conflict that threatens global stability and American credibility.