US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth asserted that the American military is ready to restart combat against Iran if no ceasefire deal is reached during a Pentagon press briefing on Thursday.
“We’d prefer to do it the nice way through a deal led by our vice president and negotiating team,” Hegseth said, “or we can do it the hard way. We urge this new regime to choose wisely.”
“You, Iran, can choose a prosperous future, a golden bridge, and we hope that you do for the people of Iran,” he said.
“But if Iran chooses poorly, then they will have a blockade and bombs dropping on infrastructure, power, and energy.”
“While you are digging out bombed-out and devastated facilities, we are only getting stronger,” Hegeth said.
Hegseth stated that he had a message for the Iranian leadership: “We are watching you. Your capabilities are not the same as ours. Remember, this is not a fair fight.”
As part of a campaign to pressure Tehran to agree to a deal, US military forces are mounting a blockade on all ships seeking to enter or leave Iran.
“(We) will actively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran,” said General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
This is a developing story.