US defence secretary warns of critical days ahead for Iran conflict

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said “the coming days will be decisive” and that, militarily, Iran can do “almost nothing” in response.

Speaking at a news conference with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, Hegseth stated that a video released by President Trump the previous night showed US bombers striking a major ammunition depot in Isfahan.

He noted that such videos are rare because Iran has reportedly severely restricted internet access for most of its population. US Defence Secretary added that if Iran acts wisely, it would make a deal, emphasising that Trump was not bluffing and would not back down.

“Just one month in, only one month, we set the terms. The upcoming days will be decisive. Iran knows that, and there's almost nothing they can militarily do about it. Yes, they will still shoot some missiles, but we will shoot them down. Of note, the last 24 hours saw the lowest number of enemy missiles and drones fired by Iran. They will go underground, but we will find them. 

We recently destroyed another one of their command bunkers. Leaders forced to flee. No water, no power, no oxygen, no command and control.

Their faith in their caves diminishing. The latest intel is clear out of CENTCOM. Our strikes are damaging the morale of the Iranian military, leading to widespread desertions, key personnel shortages, and causing frustrations amongst senior leaders,” Hegseth warned.

He stressed that the new Iranian regime must recognise the change, act wiser than the previous one, and that Trump is ready to strike a deal with terms already known to them.

Defence chief also noted that US personnel on the ground are requesting more bombs and more targets to “finish the job.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada