[82937] U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on policy toward Iran

Statements by the U.S. Secretary of Defense on Iran

In a series of statements published in the Middle East Spectator, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addressed the Trump administration's policy toward Tehran. Hegseth emphasized that the key factor that led Iran to the negotiating table is a "credible military threat," and argued that this is the fundamental difference from past agreements. According to the Middle East Spectator, the goal is to ensure the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and their return to their previous status.

Hegseth clarified in an interview that "the document states that Iran will never possess a nuclear weapon," and noted that the Iranian regime is currently in a state of "collapse" due to American pressure. According to the Middle East Spectator, the Secretary emphasized that the U.S. has maintained control over the Strait of Hormuz throughout the recent period, despite negotiations over their reopening.

Regarding questions about lifting the blockade and restoring Iran's ability to sell oil, Hegseth clarified that the move depends on performance: "It is performance-based." Although he noted that the President declared an immediate opening, Hegseth left the timelines conditional, as reported by the Middle East Spectator.

Note: The Middle East Spectator channel, the primary source for this report, maintains an editorial line that sharply criticizes current Israeli and American policy, while expressing a positive stance toward the Iranian leadership.