Pete Hegseth: US will ‘negotiate with bombs’ if Iran refuses deal

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine briefed the Pentagon on "Operation Epic Fury" against Iran, now in its fifth week. Hegseth described visiting US troops in the CENTCOM region, witnessing "the best of America" — warriors displaying competency, ingenuity, lethality, and urgency to finish the mission. He shared anecdotes of a private first class tracking enemy missiles, pilots delivering bombs over Tehran, and a young airman requesting "more bombs and bigger bombs". Hegseth emphasised that unlike previous wars, troops are focused on mission success, not rotations, with a clear goal to win. General Caine reported that US forces have struck more than 11,000 targets over 30 days, destroyed all Jamaran-class frigates in Iran's navy, and continue to degrade Iran's ballistic missile, drone, and nuclear weapons infrastructure. Hegseth confirmed that indirect talks with Iran are ongoing, but warned that if no deal is reached, the US will "negotiate with bombs" and continue military operations with increasing intensity. Both officials also signalled that NATO and Gulf allies must step up to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the alliance has been "laid bare" by the lack of support. Subscribe to our channel: bit.ly
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