INA-Follow-up
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday that the United States would strike Iran hard later in the day.
"We will strike Iran forcefully today," Hegseth told a press conference followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), adding that "the strikes on Iran tonight will be clear and powerful."
He said U.S. Central Command had done "an outstanding job" in containing Iran and reiterated that Washington would not allow Tehran to acquire a nuclear weapon.
Hegseth said the United States was protecting oil tankers and commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and that Iran would not be able to disrupt maritime navigation. He added that the blockade imposed on Iranian ports was "firm and stringent."
"The military operations are intended to give Iran an opportunity to reach a deal, and President Trump is the world's best dealmaker and remains ready for an agreement," he said.
Hegseth added that the United States had used the ceasefire period to enhance its intelligence picture and update its target bank in Iran.
"Our target bank and current capabilities far exceed what they were at the outset of Operation Epic Rage," he said.
He added that Iran lacked a defense industrial base and that its military stockpiles were extremely limited.
"We are not in the business of revealing our military plans, and what we do tonight will strengthen both our warfighting interests and our diplomatic position," Hegseth said.