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Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Issues Ultimatum to Iran: Abandon Nuclear Ambitions or Face U.S. Military Action

Pete Hegseth
Credit: Photo by Omar Havana/Getty Images.

In a recent interview on Fox News, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth delivered a stern warning to Iran, emphasizing that the nation must cease its pursuit of nuclear weapons or confront decisive military consequences from the United States.

Iran’s Weakened Position

Hegseth highlighted Iran’s current vulnerabilities, noting the diminished capabilities of its regional proxies, including Hezbollah and Hamas. He attributed this weakening to the collapse of allied regimes, such as Syria, and the retreat of insurgent groups in Iraq. Despite these setbacks, Iran continues to support factions like the Houthis, seeking alternative avenues to exert influence in the region.

Critical Juncture for Diplomatic Resolution

Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, Hegseth stated that Iran faces a pivotal decision: engage in negotiations to dismantle its nuclear program or risk its elimination through U.S. military intervention. He underscored President Trump’s preference for a peaceful resolution achieved through maximum pressure strategies aimed at economically crippling the Iranian regime, thereby avoiding direct military conflict.

Classified Intelligence on Nuclear Advancements

While refraining from disclosing specific intelligence, Hegseth acknowledged that the U.S. closely monitors Iran’s nuclear developments. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapon capabilities, highlighting the critical nature of timely and effective intervention.

Impact of Previous Administration’s Policies

Reflecting on prior U.S. policies, Hegseth criticized the Biden administration for adopting a lenient stance toward Iran, which, he argued, resulted in increased funding for terrorist proxies and escalated attacks on U.S. interests and allies. In contrast, the current administration’s stringent measures aim to curtail Iran’s destabilizing activities and restore regional stability.?

Conclusion

Secretary Hegseth’s unequivocal message to Iran underscores the administration’s resolve to employ all necessary measures, including military action, to thwart Iran’s nuclear ambitions. This firm stance reflects a broader strategy to reinforce national security and uphold global non-proliferation norms.