Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Friday that Iran still has an opportunity to negotiate with the United States, but warned that time is working against the regime as economic and military pressure intensifies.
Speaking at a Pentagon news conference, Hegseth emphasized that while diplomacy remains an option, the window is narrowing.
“Iran knows that they still have an open window to choose wisely,” he said. “All they have to do is abandon a nuclear weapon in meaningful and verifiable ways, or they can watch the regime’s fragile economic state collapse under the pressure of American power.”
Hegseth made clear that the administration is not rushing toward an agreement, echoing recent remarks from President Donald Trump that the United States is in a strong negotiating position.
“The choice is theirs, but with this blockade, the clock is not on their side,” Hegseth added.
The comments follow Trump’s own warning that Iran faces severe consequences if it fails to reach a deal, including the possibility of renewed military action and continued economic isolation.
Trump argued Thursday that Iran’s oil infrastructure could face serious long-term damage if exports remain disrupted, pointing to vulnerabilities tied to key facilities like Kharg Island, which handles the majority of the country’s oil shipments.
The conflict, which began in late February, has extended beyond initial expectations but has recently entered a fragile cease-fire period lasting just over two weeks. U.S. officials say they are still awaiting a formal response from Iran to the latest proposal following earlier negotiations in Pakistan led by Vice President JD Vance.
The situation is also unfolding under the shadow of the War Powers Resolution, which generally requires congressional approval for extended military engagements. However, past administrations have often navigated around that deadline, leaving enforcement largely to Congress.
With both diplomatic and military options still in play, U.S. officials continue to signal that Iran’s next move will determine whether talks progress or tensions escalate further.
The post Hegseth Says Iran Has ‘Open Window’ For Deal As Pressure Mounts appeared first on Real News Now.
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