Story perspectives

Trump Says Iran War Won; Pentagon Silent, Experts Skeptical

7/23/2026

Summary

Trump Declares Victory

U.S. President Donald Trump declared the Iran war over and victory after 20 weeks and 18 deaths.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth called Operation Epic Fury and said Iran’s forces were combat ineffective.
Trump claimed Iran’s military was obliterated, the Strait of Hormuz secured, and regime change occurred, then denied regime-change goal.
Bartiromo questioned how Iran could still fight, noting analysts said Trump lacks knowledge, is misinformed, or is lying.

Summary

Pentagon Rejects Critique

The Pentagon has not held a public briefing on the Iran war since May 5, 2026.
Washington Post reporter Dan Lamothe pressed the Department of Defense after a New York Times story said the casualty database was updated slowly.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell replied on X, calling the Times piece “partisan hacks” that aim to smear the U.S. military.

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Trump Declares Victory

U.S. President Donald Trump declared the Iran war over and victory after 20 weeks and 18 deaths.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth called Operation Epic Fury and said Iran’s forces were combat ineffective.
Trump claimed Iran’s military was obliterated, the Strait of Hormuz secured, and regime change occurred, then denied regime-change goal.
Bartiromo questioned how Iran could still fight, noting analysts said Trump lacks knowledge, is misinformed, or is lying.

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