Choose wisely, make a deal, Hegseth tells Iran

pentagon BRIEFING | Forces are ready to restart combat if Tehran doesn’t agree to a deal, says US defence secretary 

Washington

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday urged Iran to make a deal. Hegseth told reporters at the Pentagon “ultimately, they need to come to the table and make a deal.” He said the US would ensure Iran never has a nuclear weapon. “We'd prefer to do it the nice way through a deal led by our great vice president and negotiating team. Or we can do it the hard way,” Hegseth said.

Iran has repeatedly insisted it did not seek a nuclear weapon and that its programme is for peaceful purposes. “You Iran, can choose a ‌prosperous future, a golden ‌bridge, and ⁠we hope that you ⁠do for the people of Iran,” he said.

Hegseth threatened Iran, saying US forces were ready to restart combat if Tehran did not agree to a deal.  “Our forces are maximally postured to restart combat operations, sh­o­uld this new Iranian regime choose poorly and not agree to a deal,” Hegseth said during a Pentagon briefing.

He urged Iran to “choose wisely”, warning its military leadership that Washington was closely “watching” their actions. Also, Hegseth criticised media coverage of the war on Iran, accusing the press of focusing only on negative narratives and ‘imp­ugning’ US actions. The defence secretary praised what he described as ‘historic success’ by US troops and ‘incredible battlefield victory’.

I pray you choose a deal, which is within your grasp for the betterment of your people and for the betterment of the world.

Pete Hegseth