Hegseth warns Iran: the coming days will be decisive

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday that the coming days in the war against Iran would be decisive, urging Tehran to agree to a deal while warning the conflict could escalate further if it refused.

His remarks followed reports that Iran had set fire to an oil tanker off Dubai – the latest in a series of attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz since fighting between the United States, Israel and Iran began at the end of February.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump threatened to destroy Iran’s energy infrastructure unless Tehran agreed to a peace deal and restored free navigation through the strait. He also criticised countries not directly involved in the conflict, urging them to secure access to oil by their own means.

Hegseth said negotiations between the parties were continuing and gaining momentum. However, he stressed that Washington remained prepared to pursue military operations if Iran refused to reach an agreement.

At the same time, US forces continue to strike selected targets inside Iran, focusing on weakening the country’s military capabilities, according to officials.

(reuters, bak)