Hegseth defends Iran campaign, says Tehran started war 47 years ago

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the Trump administration's military campaign against Iran on Tuesday, claiming Tehran started the conflict 47 years ago and rejecting impeachment efforts against him. Hegseth cited Operation Epic Fury's results, including over 13,000 targets struck and 80 percent of Iran's nuclear industrial base degraded, while acknowledging 18 American deaths. He called the strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities "flawless" and the campaign a "historic military victory." The impeachment resolution, initiated by Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, includes eight articles covering the Iran war and operations in Venezuela. Recent midterm elections saw Democrats gain Congress amid voter anger over the conflict, with polls showing majority support for ending the war.