Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reaffirmed President Donald Trump’s uncompromising stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, declaring the administration “dead serious” about preventing the Islamic regime from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon. In a forceful statement during a recent interview, Hegseth made clear that while diplomacy remains the preferred route, the United States will not hesitate to use military power if necessary.
“Our position is simple: Iran will not get a nuclear bomb—period,” Hegseth said. “President Trump is fully committed to stopping them, through talks if possible, but through force if necessary.”
Talks are currently underway in Oman, with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi leading their respective delegations. While early reports describe the discussions as “constructive,” no firm agreements have been reached. Both sides are expected to reconvene in the coming days.
Behind the scenes, however, the Trump administration is reinforcing diplomacy with unmistakable deterrence. The Pentagon has deployed B-2 stealth bombers to Diego Garcia and positioned two carrier strike groups in the region—making clear that the U.S. is prepared to back its words with overwhelming force.
This show of strength comes amid mounting concerns over Iran’s rapid uranium enrichment. Tehran is now reportedly enriching uranium to levels around 60%—dangerously close to weapons-grade material and well beyond the limits of the failed 2015 nuclear deal. Intelligence officials believe Iran’s current stockpile, if further enriched, could produce multiple nuclear weapons in a short timeframe.
“The regime in Tehran has pushed the envelope for years, and previous administrations let them get away with it,” said one senior defense official. “That ends now. We’re not going to watch another North Korea situation develop in the Middle East.”
Secretary Hegseth emphasized that while no one wants another war in the region, the risk of a nuclear-armed Iran is far greater. He praised President Trump’s maximum pressure strategy, including the reinstatement of crippling sanctions and the decisive elimination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in 2020, as examples of leadership that get results.
The Trump administration’s approach blends diplomacy with a credible threat of force—creating conditions that make Iran think twice about stalling or walking away from the negotiating table. Unlike previous White House strategies that relied on appeasement and symbolic deals, this administration is putting American security first.
As negotiations continue, the message from Washington remains crystal clear: the United States seeks peace—but not at the expense of strength or sovereignty. Iran has a choice to make. Either come to the table in good faith—or face consequences that will ensure their nuclear program never sees the light of day.
.@SecDef: “[@POTUS is] dead serious that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon … He’s also dead serious that if we can’t figure this out at the negotiating table, then there are other options.” pic.twitter.com/oVwUw16AcC
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 13, 2025