US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warns Iran on nuclear compliance

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters in Brussels after a NATO defence‑ministers meeting that the United States will act if Iran does not abandon its nuclear weapons programme. He said, “If Iran does not give up nuclear weapons, does not relinquish its nuclear objectives, does not hand over nuclear material and does not shut down its nuclear facilities, the Defence Department will be ready to act.”

Hegseth described the current agreement as the result of months of bombing and an “impenetrable blockade,” arguing that Iran was forced to the negotiating table. He warned that the US could re‑impose a “very robust blockade” and would adjust the number of troops and bases in the region according to Iran’s compliance. He also urged the United Kingdom to increase defence spending, noting that “the more the UK spends on defence, the stronger NATO and the Western world become.”

The secretary contrasted the approach with the Obama‑era nuclear deal, saying “there is no trust; everything will be based on verification and performance.” He indicated that US forces will remain in the area and that future deployments will be decided based on regional needs and Iran’s actions.