Pete Hegseth says the Trump administration remains prepared to use military force if deemed necessary
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Trump administration has not ruled out launching new military strikes against Iran, even as Washington continues to intensify its economic and financial pressure on Tehran.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Hegseth said the United States could conduct military strikes anywhere inside Iran or in the Strait of Hormuz if Washington determines that military action is necessary.
Asked whether US military strikes were currently off the table, Hegseth responded: “No. If we need to use it, we will use it.”
Hegseth: Economic Pressure Is Hitting Iran
Hegseth said US economic pressure is currently inflicting greater damage on Iran than military strikes, but stressed that the military option remains available to the Trump administration.
He warned that Iran could face a US response if it attempts to test American military capabilities or overestimates its own strength, saying Washington would take “whatever is necessary” in such circumstances.
Hegseth also claimed that the United States has control over the Strait of Hormuz and that US restrictions have limited Iran’s ability to transport oil through the strategic waterway, while American forces remain capable of securing maritime traffic.
Hegseth Calls for Higher US Defense Spending
Separately, Hegseth said he expects Congress to approve a defense package worth up to $1.5 trillion, even if the measure is passed after the November midterm elections and before the new Congress takes office in January.
He emphasized the importance of continuing to expand US ammunition production, noting that the Defense Department has signed long-term agreements aimed at significantly increasing production of several priority munitions.
Hegseth declined to directly comment on reports that US stocks of long-range ATACMS missiles had declined, saying the American military still has substantial quantities of the weapons.
USS Abraham Lincoln Returns to the United States
Hegseth also announced that the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is heading back to the United States after an extended deployment.
He described the mission as challenging and significantly longer than most naval deployments, saying the carrier spent more than eight months without docking at a port, in what he described as a record-length deployment for the US Navy.
Some family members of the carrier’s crew had previously raised concerns about declining morale and difficult conditions aboard the vessel. Hegseth rejected those criticisms, describing the reports as “completely distorted.”
