Hegseth warns Iran, says US tracking military movements

U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a series of stark warnings to Iran’s military leadership and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), saying Washington is closely tracking Iranian military activity and its intended use.

“To the Iranian military and the IRGC: we know what military assets you are moving and where you are moving them to,” he said during a joint press conference with Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Caine, Caliber.Az reports. 

Speaking at the Pentagon during a briefing, Hegseth said Iran is repositioning assets but is unable to rebuild its military capabilities nearly seven weeks into the conflict, arguing that Tehran’s defence capacity is deteriorating.

“You can move things around, but you can’t actually rebuild,” Hegseth said, adding that Iran no longer has a viable defense industry.

He further warned that U.S. forces were prepared to target key infrastructure, saying, “As you expose yourself with your movement to our watchful eye, we are locked and loaded on your critical dual use infrastructure, on your remaining power generation and on your energy industry,” and added that the conflict “is not a fair fight” given U.S. military strength.

“We are reloading with more than ever before.“

Hegseth also dismissed Iranian claims of regional maritime control, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.

“You like to say publicly, Iran, that you control the Strait of Hormuz, but you don’t have a Navy or real domain awareness. You can’t control anything.“

He added that attacks on commercial shipping amounted to illegitimate actions.

“Threatening to shoot missiles and drones at ships—commercial ships that are lawfully transiting international waters—that is not control. That’s piracy. That’s terrorism”

Outlining U.S. objectives, Hegseth said Washington continues to offer Iran a diplomatic off-ramp while maintaining military pressure.

“As our negotiators have said, you, Iran, can choose a prosperous future, a golden bridge, and we hope that you do for the people of Iran.”

However, he warned that U.S. operations would continue if Tehran rejected negotiations.

“In the meantime, and for as long as it takes, we will maintain this blockade, successful blockade. But if Iran chooses poorly? Then they will have a blockade and bombs dropping on infrastructure, power, and energy.”

He also announced an expanded economic pressure campaign led by the U.S. Treasury.

Hegseth reaffirmed that the United States’ priority remains preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

He also addressed coordination with allies, saying: “When shots were fired and those countries were needed the most, they weren’t there. They weren’t in the strait. They weren’t alongside us.”

On U.S. decision-making, he emphasised: “Not a single thing has been foisted upon the President of the United States. Trump makes his own decisions about the interests of this country and defending our interest, and then working with allies and partners. In this case, Israel, who’s got a lot of will and a lot of capabilities, which we’re grateful for.”

Regarding reports of potential Chinese arms transfers to Iran, Hegseth said: “China has assured us that that indeed is not going to happen.”

By Sabina Mammadli