WASHINGTON, March 13: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled a hardline stance on Iran’s nuclear program Friday, stating that the Trump administration has “a range of options, up to and including Iran deciding that they will give those up,” while refusing to detail military thresholds.
In remarks emphasizing President Donald Trump’s focus on nuclear capabilities, Hegseth noted Iran’s unwillingness to negotiate away its program. “I would never tell this group or the world what we’re willing to do or how far we’re willing to go. But we have options,” he said, addressing a group without specifying the forum.
The comments come amid escalating US-Iran frictions, following Trump’s January 2025 return to office and vows to dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure—echoing his 2018 JCPOA withdrawal. Recent intelligence reports indicate Iran has enriched uranium to near-weapons-grade levels, prompting allies like Israel to urge preemptive action.
Hegseth, a Fox News veteran and Trump loyalist confirmed as Defense Secretary last month, underscored a deterrence-first approach. Analysts see this as calibrated ambiguity, blending diplomacy, sanctions, and potential strikes to pressure Tehran without tipping into conflict.
The White House has not elaborated, but sources suggest ongoing consultations with Gulf allies and NATO partners. Iran dismissed the remarks as “warmongering,” vowing to defend its sovereignty.
