Pentagon chief calls ending Iran’s nuclear program “core mission”

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed that stopping Iran’s nuclear weapons program continues to be a “core mission” as US and Israeli strikes on the country persist.

Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth said President Donald Trump is focused on permanently ending Iran’s ability to produce nuclear weapons, AP reports.

While he declined to specify whether ground forces would be deployed to secure Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles or nuclear facilities, Hegseth said the US is exploring a broad range of options. He also welcomed the idea of Iran voluntarily abandoning its nuclear program.

“We’ve said from the beginning: deny Iran nuclear weapons,” Hegseth emphasized.

The Pentagon chief stressed that the US remains prepared for multiple contingencies, signaling that diplomatic, economic, and military measures are all under consideration to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear arms.

By Vafa Guliyeva