Hegseth claims complete destruction of Iran's defense capabilities, says new supreme leader is likely 'disfigured'

Washington / Tehran (Web Desk): United States (US) Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has made strong and dramatic claims regarding the ongoing military operations against Iran, stating that Iran’s defense system has been effectively crippled and its missile-production capability has been completely dismantled.

Speaking during a press briefing at the Pentagon, Hegseth said that Iran’s air defense network is no longer operational and that American aircraft are now striking targets inside Iran without facing significant resistance.

According to him, the country’s airspace is effectively under U.S. control.

He further claimed that American airstrikes have severely damaged Iran’s ballistic missile program and drone manufacturing facilities, leaving Tehran in no position to launch a meaningful counterattack.

Hegseth said the objective of eliminating Iran’s missile-production capability has been fully achieved.

The US defense chief also confirmed that Iran’s new leadership is now among the targets of the operation. He said reports suggest that Mojtaba Khamenei, considered a potential new supreme leader, was injured in a recent attack is likely 'disfigured'.

Speaking about the intensity of the conflict, Hegseth said the war would continue until Tehran’s military machinery is completely dismantled.

He warned that there would be no leniency for Iran and that the country would have to surrender unconditionally to ensure its survival.

Defense analysts believe that the strong statements by the U.S. defense secretary are intended to weaken the morale of Iranian forces and push them toward surrender.

Meanwhile, the White House has also indicated that efforts toward possible “regime change” in Iran are being accelerated.