US ready to resume military action if Iran peace negotiations fail, says Pete Hegseth

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Wednesday that the United States is ready to return to military action if negotiations with Iran fail to ensure the Islamic Republic never acquires a nuclear weapon. Hegseth credited President Donald Trump’s policies, including targeted strikes like the killing of Qasem Soleimani, the withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, and the 12-day war against Iran, as part of a broader strategy to prevent Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. He emphasized that the US avoided prolonged ground wars like those in Iraq and Afghanistan, instead using overwhelming military pressure to weaken Iran’s naval, aerial, and defense capabilities. Hegseth stated that Iran’s economy is under severe strain due to a US-imposed ‘world-class blockade’ on its ports and expanded pressure on its shadow tanker fleet. Intelligence confirms Iran’s economic lifeline is severely damaged, he said, while claiming no Iranian tanker is safe from seizures. The strategy, he argued, forced Iran to engage in negotiations with US envoys, including Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Vice President JD Vance. President Trump, also speaking at the White House meeting, described Iran as ‘negotiating on fumes’ and warned that control of the Strait of Hormuz would not be tolerated. He stated that Oman would comply with international norms or face consequences, adding that US oversight would prevent Iran from dominating the waterway. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later predicted that oil prices would drop below pre-conflict levels once tensions subside. US Senator Marco Rubio echoed the administration’s stance, insisting Iran would never obtain a nuclear weapon under Trump’s leadership. He acknowledged progress in negotiations but stressed that military options remain on the table if diplomacy fails. The goal, Rubio said, is to ensure Tehran abandons its nuclear program through either a negotiated agreement or continued pressure.