Hegseth was similarly triumphant. "Operation Epic Fury was a historic and overwhelming victory on the battlefield, a capital-V military victory," he said during an April 8 Pentagon press conference. "Epic Fury decimated Iran's military and rendered it combat-ineffective for years to come. "

The U.S. military said it hit more than 13,000 targets in its 38-day war with Iran, before the leaders of both countries announced a ceasefire on April 7, hours after President Donald Trump threatened that Iran's "whole civilization will die tonight."

US-Iran war: Despite the ceasefire, officials have indicated that the situation remains volatile. Statements from the Pentagon suggest readiness for further action if required, keeping the region on edge.

By Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart WASHINGTON, April 8 (Reuters) - The top U.S. general said on Wednesday U.S. troops stood ready to resume fighting if Tehran failed to strike a negotiated settlement as the Trump administration sought to portray the war as a decisive victory against Iran.

Iran, the United States and Israel agreed to a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday. But attacks in Iran and Gulf Arab countries were reported on Wednesday, throwing the deal into question.

President Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran contingent on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. See what’s next in peace talks.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the country's armed forces remain alert and ready to launch rapid military strikes, amid hopes that a two-week ceasefire agreed between Washington and Tehran

Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the U.S. military has consumed nearly 1 million gallons of coffee and an unspecified amount of nicotine.

The U.S. military consumed 950,000 gallons of coffee, 2 million energy drinks and a "whole lot of nicotine," during the Iran War, the Pentagon said. (AP Photo)

Not allowing Iran to have or make the fuel to make a nuclear weapon has been one of Trump's stated objectives in the war.