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.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed optimism on Wednesday that an agreement could be reached "in the coming days" in the ongoing tariff dispute between the United States and the European Union.
Nippon Steel closed its $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel on Wednesday after securing approval from the Trump administration, which obtained a rare “golden share” giving the U.S. government veto power over key corporate decisions.
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development agency (UNCTAD) faces deep staffing cuts amid a global funding crisis, raising concerns about its ability to support developing nations navigating economic shocks like U.S. tariffs.
U.S. President Donald Trump is warning that the 25% tariffs on British steel imports may remain unless the UK provides specific assurances about the Indian-owned Tata Steel plant at Port Talbot, amid ongoing trade negotiations following a partial G7 agreement.
Wealth surged in the United States last year with more than 379,000 people becoming new dollar millionaires, that's more than a 1,000 people a day, according to the latest report from UBS Wealth Management.
Fahrettin Altun, head of Türkiye’s Presidential Communications Directorate, announced that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will make a working visit to Türkiye on June 20.
President Ilham Aliyev to Pay Official Visit to Türkiye
The Prime Minister updated the citizens of Israel on the progress of Operation "Am K’Lavi'" now in its sixth day. He emphasised the operation's objectives to neutralise nuclear and ballistic missile threats while acknowledging painful losses and praising the nation's resilien.
European Union governments have agreed on a 1.5 billion-euro scheme to fund defence investments, though some countries said its "buy European" rules are too restrictive, diplomats said on Wednesday.
The Dutch government has unveiled official guidelines aimed at limiting smartphone and social media use among children, responding to growing concerns about the negative impact of excessive screen exposure.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
At the second China-Central Asia Summit held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, China and five Central Asian countries signed the "Treaty of Eternal Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation," establishing a new legal foundation for strategic partnership.
Smoke rises over Tehran as Israeli airstrikes and Iranian missile attacks push regional tensions to the brink. Dozens of civilian casualties have been reported on both sides.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned that interest rate forecasts may change based on future data and highlighted expected inflation growth in the coming months.
Tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, with Tehran condemning Israel’s airstrikes and emphasizing its defensive stance.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced deep concern Wednesday over the escalating military clashes between Israel and Iran, calling for immediate de-escalation and warning against further international involvement.
Fahrettin Altun, head of Türkiye’s Presidential Communications Directorate, announced that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will make a working visit to Türkiye on June 20.
President Ilham Aliyev to Pay Official Visit to Türkiye
The Prime Minister updated the citizens of Israel on the progress of Operation "Am K’Lavi'" now in its sixth day. He emphasised the operation's objectives to neutralise nuclear and ballistic missile threats while acknowledging painful losses and praising the nation's resilien.
European Union governments have agreed on a 1.5 billion-euro scheme to fund defence investments, though some countries said its "buy European" rules are too restrictive, diplomats said on Wednesday.
The Dutch government has unveiled official guidelines aimed at limiting smartphone and social media use among children, responding to growing concerns about the negative impact of excessive screen exposure.
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