US Secretary of War Issues Stark Warning to Iran: 'Negotiating with Bombs' on the Table

Tensions Rise as US Prepares for Potential Military Action

Washington: Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of War, has declared that the United States is prepared to 'negotiate with bombs' if necessary, emphasizing that military strikes against Iran will persist until Tehran complies with President Donald Trump's nuclear stipulations.

During a press briefing at the US Central Command (CENTCOM) headquarters located at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, Hegseth issued one of the most direct warnings from the Trump administration to Iran, indicating that further military actions are already in the pipeline and will continue as long as Iran remains unwilling to finalize a nuclear agreement with the US.

Hegseth stated, 'CENTCOM will be active tonight because President Trump has made it clear that we will strike Iran decisively, and we will.' He urged Iran to seize the opportunity to negotiate a favorable deal, which they have yet to pursue.

The Pentagon chief criticized Iran for consistently postponing negotiations, despite what he described as a well-defined diplomatic route presented by President Trump.

He remarked, 'As President Trump noted, they’ve been stalling. Instead, they will face bombs targeting critical facilities in Iran from the United States.'

Hegseth asserted that the military's pressure campaign aims to bolster diplomatic efforts rather than replace them.

'The war department is ready to set the terms to ensure we achieve the deal President Trump envisions,' he added.

He also unveiled details about 'Project Freedom,' an initiative designed to ensure the safe passage of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions with Iran.

According to Hegseth, over 100 million barrels of oil have successfully traversed this vital waterway under US protection.

'The United States controls the Strait of Hormuz,' he stated. 'We have been facilitating the movement of oil and other goods with our partners for weeks, much to Iran's dismay.'

He mentioned that US forces have enforced a blockade on Iranian maritime trade, stopping nearly 140 vessels attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports, with one tanker being disabled for breaching the blockade.

Hegseth claimed that recent military operations have significantly diminished Iran's military strength.

'Consider what the US military, along with Central Command, has done to their navy, air force, air defenses, and overall power projection capabilities,' he noted. 'The balance of power is clear.'

When questioned about the possibility of targeting infrastructure such as bridges or electrical facilities, Hegseth refrained from discussing specific operational plans but dismissed claims that US actions were indiscriminate.

'We will strike decisively on our terms, targeting locations that enhance our operational environment and weaken Iran's capabilities,' he affirmed.

He reiterated the administration's core message that Iran still has options.

'Iran has a chance to negotiate a deal,' he stated. 'President Trump is an exceptional deal maker, and he is ready to make that deal. Iran would be wise to accept it.'

Hegseth indicated that additional military actions are on the horizon.

'The president will consult with the war department,' he said. 'If we must negotiate with bombs, we will, and we excel at it. No one does it better.'

The Trump administration has prioritized preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons as a key element of its Middle East strategy. Although Washington and Tehran have engaged in sporadic negotiations for months, discussions have repeatedly faltered over the details of Iran's nuclear program and the order of sanctions relief.