U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said on Thursday that the American military is prepared to carry out whatever decision President Donald Trump makes regarding Iran, in order to ensure that Tehran does not acquire the capability to produce nuclear weapons.
“They must not pursue nuclear capabilities. We will be prepared to implement whatever the President expects from the Department of War,” Secretary Hegseth said, using the new but unofficial name for the Department of Defense adopted by the Trump administration, Reuters reported.
U.S. officials say the President is reviewing his options, but has not yet made a final decision on whether to strike Iran.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated following the violent crackdown by Iranian authorities on nationwide protests in recent weeks.
Trump has repeatedly threatened intervention if Iran continues killing protesters, although the nationwide demonstrations over economic hardship and political repression have now weakened.
The White House has stated that the United States will act if Iran continues its nuclear program following the June airstrikes carried out by Israeli and U.S. forces against key nuclear facilities.
