US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday urged Iran to agree to a negotiated settlement to bring an end to the ongoing conflict, warning that failure to do so could push the war into a far more intense and prolonged phase. His remarks came as the United States maintained a firm stance on securing a deal to conclude the month-long confrontation involving the US, Israel and Iran, which has significantly destabilised the Middle East.
Speaking at a press briefing, Hegseth stated that US President Donald Trump remains open to reaching an agreement but made it clear that Washington would not hesitate to escalate military operations if Iran refuses to engage. He emphasised that the current leadership in Iran, now headed by Mojtaba Khamenei following the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the initial US-Israeli strikes on February 28, should take a more pragmatic and calculated approach than its predecessor.
Hegseth asserted that the new regime has already witnessed the consequences of confrontation and should therefore recognise the advantages of entering into a deal. He reiterated that the terms of a potential agreement are already known to Tehran and that the United States is prepared to proceed, but not at the cost of its strategic objectives. According to him, President Trump’s position remains consistent and uncompromising, signalling that diplomatic engagement is possible, but only under conditions acceptable to Washington.
Highlighting the evolving military situation, Hegseth described the coming days as critical, noting that pressure on Iran continues to intensify as the conflict moves into its second month. He claimed that sustained US strikes have significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities, leading to declining morale, shortages of trained personnel and increasing instances of desertion within its ranks. He further stated that the United States now has greater operational flexibility, while Iran’s strategic options are narrowing.
He also referred to intelligence inputs suggesting growing dissatisfaction within Iran’s military leadership, indicating internal strain and frustration at senior levels. Hegseth mentioned his recent visit to US troops stationed in the region, where he reviewed ongoing operations and assessed preparedness on the ground.
Reinforcing Washington’s position, he warned that if Iran refuses to negotiate, the United States is prepared to intensify its military campaign. He added that while Iran may continue to launch missile and drone attacks, US defence systems remain capable of countering such threats effectively. According to him, Tehran is aware of its increasingly limited capacity to sustain prolonged confrontation under current conditions.
Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump also addressed the global impact of the conflict, particularly the growing fuel crisis triggered by Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. He suggested that countries facing energy shortages must either procure supplies from the United States or secure resources independently, indicating that Washington would not bear the burden alone. In a pointed remark, he criticised allies such as the United Kingdom for not participating in the military campaign.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes, has led to significant disruptions in global energy markets. Crude oil prices have surged beyond 100 dollars per barrel, intensifying economic pressure on multiple countries. Trump also warned that if Iran continues to resist negotiations, key elements of its energy infrastructure, including strategic locations like Kharg Island, could become targets of further military action.
Iran, however, has rejected US demands and continues to retaliate through missile and drone strikes on American and allied positions across the region. With both sides maintaining firm positions and military activity continuing, the situation remains volatile, with the possibility of further escalation still high.
