Hegseth Claims “Decisive Victory” as Iran Also Declares Win in Ceasefire
The U.S. is calling its ceasefire deal with Iran a victory, but competing claims from both sides are complicating that narrative.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. achieved a decisive military outcome, while President Donald Trump described Iran’s agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as a “total and complete victory,” according to Reuters.
The deal follows nearly 40 days of conflict that disrupted global oil flows after Iran effectively shut down the strait, a key shipping lane handling about 20% of the world’s oil supply.
Under the agreement, Iran will allow safe passage through the waterway in exchange for a pause in U.S. military operations, with talks set to continue during a two-week ceasefire window.
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But uncertainty remains over who ultimately controls access, as reports indicate Iran may still coordinate or restrict transit, and has warned ships could be targeted without permission.
“We have achieved every single objective,” Hegseth said during a Pentagon briefing.
Iran, however, is also claiming victory, asserting it forced the U.S. to accept elements of its negotiation framework and maintain leverage over the strait.
That dual narrative highlights the fragile nature of the ceasefire, with both sides signaling readiness to resume fighting if talks collapse.
For now, the conflict has paused, but the outcome remains unsettled.
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