Fact Check: Hegseth claims Trump ordered the most complex military operation in history.

Fact Check: Hegseth Claims Trump Ordered the Most Complex Military Operation in History

What We Know

During a recent press briefing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that "President Donald J. Trump directed the most complex and secretive military operation in history," referring to the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, particularly the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant. Hegseth claimed that this operation was a "resounding success," leading to significant damage to Iran's nuclear capabilities and contributing to a cease-fire agreement following a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel (Defense.gov).

The operation, dubbed "Operation Midnight Hammer," involved extensive planning over 15 years, culminating in the use of advanced munitions, specifically the GBU-57 "massive ordnance penetrator" bombs, to target deeply buried facilities (BBC). General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, corroborated Hegseth's statements, detailing the operational execution and the successful targeting of the facilities (New York Times).

Analysis

Hegseth's claim about the operation's complexity and success is supported by detailed accounts from military officials, including General Caine, who emphasized the extensive preparation and collaboration involved in the operation. The Pentagon's assessment described the operation as a significant achievement, with Hegseth asserting that the strikes resulted in the "obliteration" of Iran's nuclear capabilities (ABC News).

However, the reliability of these claims is subject to scrutiny. While military officials provided a narrative of success, there were reports suggesting that some core components of Iran's nuclear program remained intact, as indicated by leaked intelligence assessments (BBC). This discrepancy raises questions about the overall effectiveness of the operation and whether it truly achieved its intended objectives.

Moreover, Hegseth's statements may be influenced by political motivations, as the Trump administration sought to portray decisive military action as a hallmark of its foreign policy. This context suggests a potential bias in the framing of the operation's success, as it aligns with the administration's narrative of strength and effectiveness in dealing with Iran.

Conclusion

The claim that Trump ordered the most complex military operation in history is True based on the statements made by Defense Secretary Hegseth and supporting evidence from military officials. The operation involved extensive planning and execution, which aligns with Hegseth's description. However, the mixed reports regarding the effectiveness of the strikes on Iran's nuclear capabilities suggest that while the operation was complex and significant, its ultimate success may be debated.

Fact Check: Hegseth claims Trump ordered the most complex military operation in history.