The U.S. military stands prepared to execute any decision President Donald Trump makes regarding Iran, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Wednesday, as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies with ongoing Israeli strikes against Iranian targets.
Testifying before a Senate committee, Hegseth maintained a cautious public stance, refraining from confirming whether the Pentagon had prepared specific strike options. However, under questioning from lawmakers, he affirmed the military's readiness to carry out any orders concerning Iran. He emphasised that Tehran should have heeded President Trump's calls for a deal on its nuclear program before Israel's strikes commenced last Friday.
"They should have made a deal. President Trump's word means something. The world understands that. And at the Defence Department, our job is to stand ready and prepared with options, and that's precisely what we're doing," Hegseth told the Senate Armed Services Committee.
When asked if the administration was moving to re-establish deterrence, Hegseth responded, "I think we already have in many ways in this environment re-established deterrence. The question is, in the coming days, exactly what direction that goes."
President Trump, speaking to reporters outside the White House, declined to comment on potential U.S. strikes on Iran or its nuclear facilities. He noted that Iran had reached out for talks but stated, "It's very late to be talking." Trump remarked on the significant shift in the situation from a week ago, asserting, "Nobody knows what I'm going to do." He also described Iran as "totally defenceless, with no air defence whatsoever," as Israel's strikes entered their sixth day.
Sources familiar with internal discussions indicate that Trump and his team are considering options, including the possibility of the U.S. joining Israel in strikes against Iranian nuclear sites. Meanwhile, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected Trump's demand for "unconditional surrender."
Residents of Tehran have reportedly jammed highways, fleeing intensified Israeli airstrikes. In the latest reported bombing, Israel stated its air force destroyed the headquarters of Iran's internal security service.
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U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday that Washington would explore "flexibility" for American troops stationed in South Korea to address regional threats while maintaining the alliance’s core focus on deterring North Korea.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 2 November, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The U.S. has carried out another deadly strike on a suspected narco-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean.
The U.S. Department of War has said that it carried out three strikes in the eastern Pacific, killing 14 alleged narco-terrorists aboard four vessels, with one survivor rescued by Mexican authorities.
The pilot of an Indian fighter jet performing in the Dubai Air Show has died after the aircraft crashed during an aerial display on Friday.
An Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed in a ball of fire during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow on Friday (November 21), leaving spectators in shock.
The United States is preparing to launch a new round of Venezuela-related operations in the coming days, as President Donald Trump’s administration intensifies efforts to pressure President Nicolás Maduro’s government and targets what it calls Venezuela’s role in the regional drug trade.
President Donald Trump said on Friday that he will soon speak with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro, amid speculation that the U.S. could launch an attack on the Latin American nation.
Air traffic at Eindhoven Airport in the southern Netherlands was suspended on Saturday evening after multiple drones were sighted near the facility, prompting the deployment of counter-drone systems and raising fresh alarm over airspace security in Europe.
McLaren’s Lando Norris mastered the wet conditions under the lights of Las Vegas to secure pole position for Saturday’s Grand Prix, beating Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in a tense and slippery qualifying session that could prove pivotal in the championship race.
The leaders of eight Nordic and Baltic nations held a joint call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, pledging continued military and economic support for Kyiv and reaffirming their commitment to Europe’s collective security amid Russia’s ongoing aggression.
Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro was taken into custody on Saturday after a Supreme Court justice cited an escape risk linked to a planned supporters’ vigil and evidence of tampering with his electronic ankle monitor, ending months of house arrest as he appeals his coup-plot conviction.
Several international airlines have suspended flights from Venezuela after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned of heightened military activity and deteriorating security conditions in the country’s airspace.
Liverpool’s troubled defence of their Premier League title took another hit on Saturday as Arne Slot’s side suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, leaving the Reds languishing in 11th place and sparking anger among home supporters.
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