US ready to restart military action if Iran doesn't agree a deal, says Defence Secretary Hegseth

Washington (Web Desk): US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Kane have issued a strong warning to Iran.

Addressing a press conference during a key press conference at the Pentagon, they said that Iran’s military movements are being closely monitored and any interference in the Strait of Hormuz will be met with a firm military response.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that while US negotiators are currently engaged in talks with Iran, failure to reach an agreement could lead to renewed large-scale military operations.

He emphasized that Iran will not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons under any circumstances, calling it a “final decision.”

Responding to Iran’s claims of controlling the Strait of Hormuz, Hegseth said Iran no longer maintains an organized navy and warned that disrupting commercial shipping in international waters would be treated as piracy and terrorism.

He further cautioned that any attempt by Iran to block the strait would result in the destruction of its remaining military infrastructure.

The US Defense Secretary also revealed that Washington is aware of Iran’s efforts to recover and reactivate missile launchers damaged in previous strikes. “We know what military assets you are moving, and there is no comparison between our capabilities,” he added.

General Dan Kane elaborated on a potential naval blockade, stating that it could extend across Iranian territorial waters as well as international waters.

He noted that any vessel entering or leaving Iranian ports would be intercepted, regardless of its country of origin, and any ship attempting to assist Iran would be pursued.

US officials expressed hope that Iran would agree to a deal within its limits, warning that otherwise, American naval control over the Strait of Hormuz and economic blockade measures would remain in place for as long as necessary.