Hegseth Warns Iran: Nuclear Options are ‘On the Table’

U.S. officials have indicated plans for expanded military pressure on Iran, with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stating that the United States is expected to destroy Iran's military industry at Israel's request. Strategic bombers are anticipated to deliver a devastating blow to Iranian defense production, potentially impairing Iran's ability to produce missiles for many years.

Hegseth remarked: “Looking up, the IRGC and Iranian regime see only two things on the side of the aircraft. The stars and stripes, and the star of David...the evil regime's worst nightmare."

He added: “Today will be yet again the highest volume of strikes that America has put over the skies of Iran and Tehran.” Hegseth further stated: “Soon — very soon — all of Iran’s defense companies will be destroyed. For example, as of two days ago, Iran’s entire ballistic missile production capacity has been eliminated. Every company that builds components for those missiles has been functionally defeated and destroyed. Buildings, complexes, and factory lines across Iran have been destroyed.”

Addressing criticism regarding the war’s potential impact on maritime traffic, Hegseth said: “Reports that the Trump administration underestimated the Iran war’s impact on the Strait of Hormuz are ridiculous. For decades, Iran has threatened shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. This is always what they do — try to hold the strait hostage. Does CNN think we didn’t consider that? It’s a fundamentally unserious report. The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better.” On Iran’s nuclear program, Hegseth commented: “We are keeping a range of options on the table to ensure that Iran cannot obtain nuclear weapons. If Iran chooses to relinquish its enriched uranium, we would welcome such a step. We also have other ways to deal with that uranium, but I will not go into details.”

Regarding Mojtaba Khamenei, Hegseth said: “We know the new so-called, not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured. He put out a statement yesterday, but there was no voice and no video. It was only a written statement. Iran has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders — so why only a written statement? I think you know why. He’s scared. He’s injured. He’s on the run, and he lacks legitimacy. It’s a mess for them. Who’s in charge? Iran may not even know.”