Fact Check: "Trump's military operation labeled 'most complex and secretive' by Defense Secretary."
What We Know
During a recent press briefing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that President Trump directed "the most complex and secretive military operation in history," which he described as a "resounding success" that resulted in a ceasefire agreement and the end of a 12-day conflict involving Iran and Israel (Defense.gov, NPR). Hegseth emphasized that this military operation significantly damaged Iran's nuclear capabilities, which he claimed had been a long-term objective of U.S. military planning (Defense.gov).
Analysis
The claim that Trump's military operation was the "most complex and secretive" is supported by statements from Hegseth and other military officials. Hegseth's assertion is backed by the context of the operation, which involved advanced weaponry and years of planning, specifically mentioning the use of GBU-57 bombs designed for deep underground targets (Defense.gov).
However, the reliability of Hegseth as a source must be considered. He has been a controversial figure, often criticized for his views and the manner in which he presents information. His role as Defense Secretary under Trump may also introduce bias, as he has been known to align closely with Trump's policies and rhetoric (NPR).
Moreover, while Hegseth's statement reflects a strong endorsement of the operation's success, independent assessments of military operations often vary. The preliminary nature of reports on the operation's effectiveness, as mentioned by Hegseth, indicates that while there may be initial claims of success, comprehensive evaluations typically take time and require further intelligence gathering (Defense.gov).
Conclusion
The claim that Trump's military operation was labeled as "the most complex and secretive" by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is True. Hegseth explicitly stated this during a press briefing, and the context provided aligns with the operational details discussed. However, it is essential to recognize the potential bias in Hegseth's statements due to his position and past controversies. The complexity and secrecy of military operations are often subjective assessments that can vary based on the perspective of those involved.
Sources
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff ... (https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/4227366/defense-secretary-pete-hegseth-and-joint-chiefs-of-staff-chairman-gen-dan-caine/)
- 'Historically Successful' Strike on Iranian Nuclear Site Was ... (https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4227082/historically-successful-strike-on-iranian-nuclear-site-was-15-years-in-the-maki/)
- Pentagon chief: Iran strike was a 'historically successful ... (https://www.npr.org/2025/06/26/g-s1-74702/pentagon-chief-iran-strike-was-a-historically-successful-attack)
- Qui est Massad Boulos, ce libanais conseiller de TRUMP (https://www.jforum.fr/qui-est-massad-boulos-ce-libanais-conseiller-de-trump.html)
- Pourquoi la fureur de Trump et Vance contre Zelensky (https://www.jforum.fr/pourquoi-la-fureur-de-trump-et-vance-contre-zelensky.html)
- Lawrence: Trump's incompetent SecDef, Pete Hegseth, fails ... (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94LiwVacz8Q)
- Pourquoi ce chapeau de Melania Trump - JForum (https://www.jforum.fr/pourquoi-ce-chapeau-de-melania-trump.html)
- Hegseth calls Trump-directed Iran strikes 'resounding success ... (https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/hegseth-calls-trump-directed-iran-strikes-resounding-success/story?id=123229887)
