US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Thursday warned Iran at a Pentagon press briefing that the United States would resume devastating military strikes against Tehran's critical infrastructure if the two nations fail to reach a peace agreement, reports said.
The statement came amid diplomatic efforts to revive negotiations remain deadlocked over Iran's nuclear programme.
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Speaking alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, Hegseth delivered an unambiguous threat to the Iranian regime. "We are reloading with more power than ever before, and better intelligence, even more importantly, better intelligence than ever before," he said.
"As you expose yourself with your movement to our watchful eye, we are locked and loaded on your critical dual-use infrastructure, on your remaining power generation and on your energy industry." he added.
He further warned, "We'd rather not have to do it, but we're ready to go at the command of our president and at the push of a button. This blockade is the polite way that this can go."
On the military imbalance between the two countries, Hegseth was equally blunt. "Remember, this is not a fair fight, and we know what military assets you are moving and where you are moving them to while you are digging out of bombed out and devastated facilities. We are only getting stronger," he said, urging Tehran to "choose wisely."
The stern warnings come against the backdrop of a fragile and contested ceasefire. Earlier US-Iran talks held in Pakistan collapsed without a peace deal, with Iran's nuclear programme emerging as the central sticking point, after which Washington imposed a blockade on Iran's ports and coastline.
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Pakistan is now actively pushing for a new round of negotiations, with a high-level delegation holding talks with Iranian officials in Tehran on the possibility of resuming dialogue between the two sides.
The White House has expressed measured optimism, indicating that any future talks would likely be held again in Islamabad.
Iran, however, has insisted on a 10-point proposal that includes full control over the Strait of Hormuz, removal of sanctions, and the right to uranium enrichment - terms that Washington has flatly rejected.
With both sides hardening their positions, the window for a diplomatic resolution appears to be narrowing rapidly.
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