The US military is prepared to execute any decision President Donald Trump makes regarding war or peace, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday amid rising tensions with Iran.
Speaking before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Hegseth declined to confirm whether strike options had been presented but emphasized readiness: “If and when those decisions are made, the Department is prepared to execute them.”
Fars News Agency, affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, dismissed reports that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s location had been identified and targeted, calling them false.
The outlet said such reports reflect “the anger and confusion of the US and Israel” following Khamenei’s recent remarks. It added that Khamenei is in “full health.”
Iran has expressed interest in negotiating, President Donald Trump said Wednesday adding that Tehran had even proposed a visit to the White House.
“They should have negotiated sooner,” Trump told reporters, adding that Iran is now “totally defenseless” with “no air defense whatsoever.”
While providing no specifics on diplomatic overtures, Trump hinted at a turning point. “There’s a big difference between now and a week ago,” he said.
Asked if the US might strike Iran, he replied, “Can’t say whether we will strike,” adding, “Next week will be big — maybe less than a week.”
Pressed on Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Trump responded: “Good luck.” Earlier, Khamenei had rejected calls for surrender.
Trump also said, “It’s very late to be talking,” and declined to reveal his intentions. “Nobody knows what I’m going to do,” he said, leaving open the prospect of US military involvement.
