Washington, April 16 (IANS) The United States on Thursday warned Iran to “choose wisely” as it enforced a sweeping naval blockade, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth saying American forces remain “locked and loaded” to escalate military action if needed. Addressing a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth was joined by Air Force General Dan Caine, the US military’s top uniformed officer as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Admiral Bradley Cooper, who oversees American military operations…
Latest Pete Hegseth News & Updates
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…
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 said a shift in Iran’s leadership has altered its negotiating posture, with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth asserting that a “new regime” in Tehran has been forced to rethink its approach after sustained US military pressure. “This new regime… has a new calculus about what it means to negotiate with us,” Hegseth said, linking the change to the scale of destruction inflicted during Operation Epic Fury.He described the current leadership…
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 Strait of Hormuz is set to reopen to commercial shipping after Iran agreed to allow safe passage under a ceasefire framework reached with the United States, Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday. “You saw the initial agreement that we struck, which is Iran’s let ships go through… they will be sailing,” Hegseth said, signalling a key breakthrough in restoring one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes.The reopening comes after weeks…
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 8 (IANS) The White House has declared the US campaign against Iran a “victory,” saying military gains created leverage for a diplomatic opening after President Donald Trump ordered a pause in strikes.“This is a victory for the United States that President Trump and our incredible military made happen,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a post on X on Tuesday night (local time).She said the operation, referred to as “Operation Epic Fury,” had met a…
Washington, April 7 (IANS) US President Donald Trump on invoked religious language to justify US actions in the Iran conflict, saying he believed “God supports” the American position.“I do. Because God is good,” Trump said when asked if he believed divine backing existed for the war. “God wants to see people taken care of.”The remarks came during a wide-ranging White House news conference where Trump also discussed military operations and diplomatic efforts.He said he did not “enjo…
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…