Washington, April 16, (IANS) The United States on Thursday warned Iran that its energy infrastructure could be targetted if it fails to reach a deal, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth saying American forces are prepared to escalate beyond the current blockade.Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth said US forces were ready to strike critical sectors, including power generation and energy facilities, if Tehran “chooses poorly”. “We are locked and loaded on your critical dual use infrast…
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Washington, April 16 (IANS) The US on Thursday asserted that it controls maritime traffic in and out of the Strait of Hormuz, dismissing Iranian claims of dominance over the strategic waterway as tensions remain high despite a fragile ceasefire. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran lacked the naval capability and situational awareness to control shipping routes, accusing it of resorting to threats against commercial vessels.”You’d like to say publicly, Iran, that you control the Strait of Ho…
Washington, April 8 (IANS) The United States has “devastated” Iran’s military capabilities and forced it to accept a ceasefire under overwhelming pressure, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Wednesday, describing the outcome of Operation ‘Epic Fury’ as a “historic and overwhelming victory on the battlefield.” “Iran begged for this ceasefire… a big day for world peace,” Hegseth said, adding that the campaign had “decimated Iran’s military and rendered it combat ineffective fo…
Washington, April 8, (IANS) The United States has made clear that Iran will never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons, with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth calling it a “non-negotiable” condition under the emerging ceasefire framework.“It’s always been non-negotiable that they won’t have nuclear capabilities,” Hegseth said, outlining Washington’s red line as talks move forward following weeks of military confrontation.The statement comes amid intensified US scrutiny of Iran’s rem…
Washington, April 7 (IANS) A massive US air operation involving more than 100 aircraft rescued two airmen stranded in Iran in one of the most complex combat search-and-rescue missions in recent years, President Donald Trump said.An F-15 fighter jet went down late Thursday during Operation Epic Fury, with both crew members ejecting over Iranian territory. One was located and rescued within hours. The second, injured and separated by miles, evaded capture for nearly two days before being extracted…
Washington, April 7 (IANS) The operation to rescue fighter pilots projected military dominance, with top officials asserting that it demonstrated unmatched capability and warning adversaries of America’s reach. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the mission showed why the US has “the greatest fighting force the world has ever known.”“In two extraordinary combat search and rescue operations deep inside enemy territory in Iran, our warriors executed missions of breathtaking skill, c…
Washington, March 31 (IANS) The United States on Tuesday said it is intensifying military strikes on Iran while pursuing active negotiations, as officials argued that battlefield pressure is forcing Tehran towards a deal. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth at a Pentagon news conference said talks with Iran were “very real… ongoing… active and… gaining strength”, even as US forces continued operations under “Operation Epic Fury”.“We don’t want to have to do more militarily than we h…
Washington, March 20 (IANS) President Donald Trump said Friday that Iran’s navy was now “at the bottom of the sea” as he opened a White House event honouring the Navy Midshipmen with an extended defence of US military action against Tehran. Speaking at the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy presentation in the East Room, Trump began his remarks with a sweeping claim about the ongoing conflict.“We’re doing extremely well in Iran,” he said, adding that “they had a Navy two weeks ago, they h…
Washington, March 19 (IANS) US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday sharply attacked sections of the American media, accusing them of trying to undercut the country’s war effort and downplay military gains in the conflict with Iran. Speaking at a Pentagon news conference alongside Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine, Hegseth said the press was more interested in damaging President Donald Trump than in reporting battlefield developments fairly.“I stand here today speaking to you, th…
Washington, March 19 (IANS) The United States has struck more than 7,000 targets inside Iran and is intensifying operations, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth asserting that Tehran’s military capabilities have been significantly degraded even as the conflict enters a more aggressive phase. “We’re winning decisively and on our terms,” Hegseth told reporters at a Pentagon news conference as he pushed back against concerns of a prolonged war. He stressed that the campaign remains “l…