- President Donald Trump suggested Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was particularly enthusiastic about the bombing campaign leading to Operation Epic Fury against Iran.
- Trump claimed Hegseth was the first to advocate for military action, citing Iran's alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons and its role as a 'purveyor of terror'.
- Iran dismissed Trump's claims of 'very good and productive' ceasefire talks as 'fake news' and responded with a fresh wave of missile strikes across the Gulf.
- Operation Epic Fury resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but also led to retaliatory strikes, 13 US service member casualties, and soaring global fuel prices due to Iran's chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz.
- Despite Trump's assertion that Iran's response was unexpected, Reuters had previously reported that the president was warned such retaliation could occur.
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