11 June,2026 12:34 PM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondent
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Pic/AFP
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday issued a stark warning to Iran, saying the United States is prepared to continue military operations unless Tehran agrees to terms proposed by President Donald Trump regarding its nuclear programme.
Speaking at the headquarters of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, Hegseth said the Trump administration remains committed to reaching a diplomatic agreement with Iran but warned that military pressure would continue if negotiations remain deadlocked.
His remarks came amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, with both countries exchanging military actions in recent days and diplomatic efforts struggling to gain momentum.
Addressing reporters after receiving operational briefings from military commanders, Hegseth indicated that additional US military operations were being prepared.
According to the Defense Secretary, US President Donald Trump has made it clear that Washington is prepared to intensify pressure on Iran if negotiations fail to produce results.
Hegseth argued that Tehran has repeatedly delayed progress despite what he described as opportunities to reach a comprehensive agreement with the United States.
He stated that the military campaign is intended to strengthen America's negotiating position and persuade Iran to accept a deal addressing concerns over its nuclear activities.
Throughout his remarks, Hegseth maintained that military action and diplomacy are not mutually exclusive and can be pursued simultaneously.
He said the Pentagon's role is to create conditions that support diplomatic efforts by demonstrating American military capability and resolve.
In one of the strongest statements of the briefing, Hegseth said that if diplomacy fails, the United States is prepared to continue pursuing its objectives through military means.
The comments reflected the Trump administration's increasingly assertive stance toward Iran as negotiations over its nuclear programme remain stalled.
Hegseth also provided details about ongoing US military operations in and around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy transit routes.
According to him, Washington has been working with regional partners to ensure commercial shipping continues despite threats posed by the conflict.
He claimed that more than 100 million barrels of oil had passed through the strategic waterway under US protection in recent weeks.
The Defense Secretary further asserted that American forces have disrupted Iranian maritime operations and prevented numerous vessels from accessing Iranian ports as part of broader efforts to increase pressure on Tehran.
The US official argued that recent military operations have significantly weakened Iran's military infrastructure.
He pointed to strikes targeting naval assets, air defence systems, military communications and other strategic capabilities.
While declining to discuss future target selections, Hegseth said any further military action would focus on objectives that improve operational conditions for US forces and reduce Iran's ability to project military power.
He rejected suggestions that future attacks would be indiscriminate and maintained that operations would remain focused on military objectives.
The latest escalation comes as negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme remain at an impasse.
The Trump administration has made preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon a central pillar of its Middle East policy. Washington has been pushing for stricter limits on Iran's nuclear activities and greater international oversight.
Iran, meanwhile, maintains that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes and has repeatedly resisted demands that it abandon key aspects of its nuclear infrastructure.
Differences over sanctions relief, uranium enrichment levels and verification mechanisms have continued to hinder progress in negotiations.
Despite the tough rhetoric, Hegseth repeatedly emphasised that the United States still prefers a negotiated outcome.
He described President Trump as committed to reaching a deal and urged Iran to engage constructively in the diplomatic process.
However, his comments also underscored the administration's willingness to combine diplomacy with military pressure as part of its strategy toward Tehran.
With tensions rising across the region and both sides maintaining firm positions, the prospects for a breakthrough remain uncertain. Analysts warn that continued military exchanges could further complicate efforts to reach a diplomatic settlement and increase the risk of a broader regional conflict.
(With inputs from IANS)
