US defense chief warns Iran against nuclear pursuit, says US ready to act

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday the US is prepared to use “all options” to prevent Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons, while emphasizing that Washington is still leaving room for a diplomatic deal, Anadolu reports. “With Iran right now, ensuring that they have all the options to make a deal. They should not pursue nuclear capabilities,” Hegseth said at a Cabinet meeting along with US President Donald Trump. Trump reiterated Wednesday that a “massive armada” is headed to Iran, expressing hope that Tehran will “come to the table” and negotiate with Washington. READ: Iran warns of uncontrollable consequences if attacked Hegseth stressed that the Pentagon stands ready to carry out any directives issued by Trump, signaling that military options remain […]