WASHINGTON — Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declared an “overwhelming victory” in the war against Iran Wednesday — as he insisted the regime had “begged” for a cease-fire after Tehran’s missile program was completely obliterated.

“Operation Epic Fury was a historic and overwhelming victory on the battlefield. A capital ‘V’ military victory,” he said during a Pentagon press briefing.

“By any measure, Epic Fury decimated Iran’s military and rendered it combat-ineffective for years to come.”