16.04.2026 17:11
U.S. Secretary of Defense Hegseth stated that military options are on the table if Iran does not accept the nuclear deal. Hegseth explained that if the Tehran administration makes a wrong decision and does not agree to the deal, U.S. forces are ready to restart operations, except for war.
US Defense Secretary Hegseth issued warnings to Iran, stating that if the Tehran administration does not accept the nuclear deal, operations will resume.
Hegseth, noting that Iran has once again revealed missile launch pads that were previously bombed, emphasized that the US knows the location of all of Iran's military assets, including these facilities, and noted that the US is preparing with more strength than before for a possible new intervention.
Secretary Hegseth also targeted Iran's strategic rhetoric regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Criticizing Iran's claim of controlling the strait based on "not having a real navy," Hegseth stated that threats to commercial vessels are not a control force but "piracy."
"WE WILL INCREASE PRESSURE ON IRAN"
Hegseth stated that they will increase economic and military pressure on Iran and continued his warnings to the Tehran administration regarding the nuclear deal. Hegseth, expressing that Iran's energy sector has not yet completely collapsed but US embargoes have brought exports to a standstill, emphasized that they will maintain this blockade for as long as necessary.
"THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ IS FULLY MONITORED"
Addressing the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Secretary stated that the US Navy fully monitors entry and exit traffic in the region, saying, "We have a navy, Iran no longer does." At the end of his statements, Hegseth conveyed the message to Tehran: "I hope you choose an agreement you can reach."