Washington (HRNW)- The US Secretary of Defense and the Chief of Staff provided a detailed briefing on the Iran conflict during a joint press conference at the Pentagon in Washington, where they made several strong and controversial statements. According to international media reports, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that Washington’s objective in the Iran war is clear and that US strategy is progressing as planned, claiming that Iran will not be able to develop nuclear weapons. He further stated that US actions in Iran are a “gift to the world” and that pressure on Tehran will continue.
Hegseth also alleged that Iran has killed 45,000 protesters domestically, though this claim could not be independently verified. He asserted that the United States has full control over the Strait of Hormuz and that shipping will now operate under US terms. According to him, the naval blockade will continue as long as the US President decides, and additional US naval forces are being deployed to strengthen the operation.
He added that President Donald Trump has ordered the destruction of any vessel laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz and emphasized that no rushed agreement is being made with Iran, urging Tehran to show “wisdom” and seize the opportunity for a deal. He warned that if Iran refuses to reach an agreement, US forces are prepared to resume military action immediately.
The Defense Secretary also claimed that the US Navy’s blockade on Iranian ports is “unbreakable” and growing stronger each day, adding that another fleet is on its way to tighten control over the region. He stated that ships recently seized in the Strait of Hormuz were not American or Israeli vessels. He further said that the situation is not solely an American war and urged Asian and European countries, which benefit most from the Strait of Hormuz, to take responsibility.
Readers are encouraged to support independent journalism and humanitarian efforts by making a donation at
www.hrnww.com/?page_id=1083
