Pentagon сhief praises "brotherhood" of forces in Iran campaign VIDEO

U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the coming days would be decisive in the American military campaign against Iran, as fighting between U.S.-Israeli forces and Tehran intensifies.

Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth said he had visited U.S. troops over the weekend participating in “Operation Epic Fury,” spending several hours on the ground at a regional command site on March 28. He declined to disclose specific locations for security reasons, Caliber.Az reports.

“It was an honor,” Hegseth said, describing service members from active duty, National Guard and reserve units as “warriors” united by a shared mission and commitment.

"I had a chance to bear witness, and I witnessed the best of America. I witnessed warriors: a brotherhood of men and women, warriors — all. Active duty, guard and reserve. United in their love for each other, their shared purpose and their commitment to the mission," he said. 

Hegseth said U.S. President Donald Trump remains open to a negotiated settlement with Tehran. According to the defence secretary, the terms of a potential agreement have already been communicated to Iranian officials.

However, he warned that absent a deal, Washington would intensify its military campaign.

On March 30, Trump announced that “serious negotiations” were underway over a possible ceasefire. He also warned that Iran could face the “complete destruction of its power stations” if an agreement is not reached.

By Sabina Mammadli