25.08.2026 10:21
US Defense Secretary Hegseth stated that in addition to economic pressure on Iran, the military option is also open. Hegseth said that a kinetic attack could be carried out in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that coming face-to-face with the US military would be unwise.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the US military could act again if needed, stating, "If Iran is foolish enough to mess with the US military, we will do what we have to do."
MILITARY OPTION ON THE TABLE
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with defense industry representatives in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The US Secretary answered journalists' questions there. Hegseth noted that at a time when economic pressure on Iran is being increased, the military option remains on the table, and said that the US could conduct strikes again in the Strait of Hormuz or around Iran. Hegseth's visit to Wisconsin was part of the US Defense Department's efforts to increase defense industry and weapons production capacity.
"KINETIC STRIKE OPTION OPEN"
When asked whether the US has suspended military operations against Iran, Hegseth stated that the military option is still on the table. Hegseth said, "We are in no way closing the option of conducting kinetic strikes at any point in the Strait of Hormuz or around Iran. We will conduct kinetic strikes if necessary. If Iran overplays its hand or is foolish enough to mess with the US military, we will do what we have to do." Hegseth emphasized that the US military could act again if needed. Pete Hegseth also warned against any new step that could be taken against the US military, saying that confronting US military power would be "unwise."
"THE US CONTROLS THE STRAIT"
In his statement, US Defense Secretary Hegseth placed special emphasis on the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the US controls the strait. Drawing attention to the US administration's recent military presence in the strategic waterway, Hegseth said, "But right now, what affects them the most is economic pressure. Iran cannot run anything on its own there (in the Strait of Hormuz); we can. The world economy is aware of this, and that's why they made a big bet to control it, but they failed."
US President Donald Trump recently made statements regarding the US military control over the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that Washington is in a decisive position regarding which ships will pass through the region.