Fact-checking Trump and Hegseth's claims of U.S. 'victory' in the Iran war

Key Points:

• President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared a "total and complete victory" after announcing a ceasefire in the conflict with Iran, citing significant battlefield successes including the destruction of much of Iran's naval, air force, and air defense capabilities.
• Despite these military gains, experts highlight that Iran's regime remains in control, now exerting unprecedented influence over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for global oil and commodity shipments, representing a significant U.S. strategic setback.
• The conflict resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. military personnel and over 1,600 Iranian civilian casualties, including children, while also straining U.S. relations with NATO allies and potentially encouraging nuclear proliferation in the region.
• Key Iranian nuclear materials remain under Tehran's control, and the war depleted U.S. and allied munitions stockpiles, raising questions about the long-term effectiveness and costs of the campaign.
• The ceasefire's details remain unclear, with ongoing tensions such as Iran's reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli actions, leaving the durability of peace and control over the region uncertain.