US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has issued a stern warning to Iranian leaders, stating that the Pentagon is ready for action if Tehran refuses to negotiate on its nuclear program .
Echoing President Trump’s stance, Hegseth said the US does not seek conflict but is fully prepared to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon .
The warning comes as the US significantly boosts its military presence in the region, deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group.
With nuclear talks between US and Iranian officials scheduled to resume in Istanbul this Friday, tensions remain high as Washington signals it is ready for “other options” if diplomacy fails .
