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US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issues stark warning to Tehran
Washington: Amid escalating tensions, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned Iran to agree to a deal with the United States or face intensified military action. He said the “coming days will be decisive,” signalling a critical phase in the ongoing conflict.
Hegseth emphasised that Washington remains firm in its approach, adding that the conflict could escalate further if diplomatic efforts fail.
Backing the administration’s stance, Hegseth said President Donald Trump is unwavering and unpredictable in strategy. He suggested that Iran’s current leadership should take note of this and act cautiously.
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He indicated that the US has already established dominance in the conflict, claiming that Iran’s options are narrowing with each passing day.
.@SECWAR “If Iran is wise, they will cut a deal.
President Trump does not bluff and does not back down—you can ask Khamenei about that. The new Iranian regime should know that by now.
This new regime—because regime change has occurred—should be wiser than the last.
President… pic.twitter.com/3ZDv0j6Frg
— DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) March 31, 2026
Hegseth made it clear that failure to reach an agreement would lead to a sharper military response. He said the US has multiple strategic options available, while Iran’s ability to respond effectively is diminishing.
Reports suggest that ongoing strikes have significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities, with US officials maintaining pressure through sustained operations.
While Hegseth stated that there are currently no plans to deploy ground troops, he did not completely rule out the possibility. He noted that any such decision, if taken, would not be publicly disclosed in advance.
His remarks have raised concerns about a potential expansion of the conflict beyond air and missile strikes.
Despite the strong rhetoric, Hegseth confirmed that diplomatic talks are still underway. He described the negotiations as active, indicating that a political resolution remains possible even as military operations continue.
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The ongoing crisis has already disrupted global energy routes and heightened geopolitical tensions, with the situation in West Asia remaining highly volatile.
With both military and diplomatic tracks progressing simultaneously, the coming days are expected to shape the trajectory of the conflict. Analysts say the outcome could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and global energy markets.
