Hegseth Warns Iran Against Nuclear Pursuit, Says U.S. Military Ready for Action

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Washington: U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth used a Cabinet meeting Thursday to deliver a stark warning to Iran over its nuclear ambitions and affirm that the Pentagon is prepared to act on President Donald Trump’s directives as tensions rise in the Middle East. With a significant U.S. military presence now deployed in the region, Hegseth made clear that Tehran “should not pursue nuclear capabilities,” and that the United States stands ready to enforce that position.

Speaking alongside President Trump in the White House Cabinet Room, Hegseth said Washington is fully prepared to implement whatever measures the president expects from the War Department, reflecting the administration’s hard-line posture on Iran’s nuclear program.

The buildup of U.S. naval and air assets around the Iran has underscored the seriousness of Washington’s stance. American officials have repeatedly emphasised both the desire for diplomacy and the readiness to use military force if necessary to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons a point Hegseth reiterated in his remarks.

In recent weeks, tensions have surged following a violent crackdown on protests within Iran, which had drawn international attention and increased pressure on Tehran. President Trump has publicly signalled a willingness to engage in talks with Iranian leaders, even as military options remain under review.

While Hegseth’s warning focused on nuclear restraint, it also implicitly tied into broader concerns about regional security. The United States continues to urge Iran to negotiate and de-escalate, but has made clear that it will not hesitate to act if confrontations escalate or if Iran resumes activity that could accelerate its nuclear capabilities.

Iran’s leaders have yet to offer a detailed public response to the latest U.S. warning, and diplomatic channels remain open amid competing pressures for negotiation and deterrence.