Defence Secretary Hegseth: US Military Prepared for Trump's Decisions on Iran Nuclear Issue
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth tells Trump the Pentagon is prepared for any action to prevent Iran from having nuclear capability.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday assured President Donald Trump that the Pentagon is fully prepared to act against Iran if necessary, amid heightened tensions following recent protests in the country. Hegseth emphasized that the US military stands ready to implement any decisions Trump makes to prevent Tehran from pursuing nuclear weapons capabilities.
During a cabinet meeting, Trump asked Hegseth for an update on the situation, with the Defense Secretary confirming that the US military has a significant presence in the region. “They should not pursue nuclear capabilities. We will be prepared to deliver whatever this president expects of the War Department,” Hegseth said, reflecting the administration’s commitment to enforcing US security priorities.
While Trump is reviewing options, US officials have clarified that no final decision has been made on military action. The president has previously threatened intervention if Iran continued to target protesters, although nationwide demonstrations over economic and political grievances have since subsided.
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The US-Iranian relationship has been further strained following June airstrikes on key nuclear facilities by Israeli and US forces. Trump has warned that the United States would respond decisively if Iran resumed its nuclear program, signaling a low tolerance for any perceived escalation in Tehran’s military capabilities.
Hegseth’s comments underline the United States’ strategic positioning in the region and its readiness to respond to potential threats. Analysts note that while diplomacy remains an option, the US military’s preparedness serves as both a deterrent and a signal of Washington’s commitment to preventing nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.
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