RismadarVoice Reporters, June 11, 2026
The United States has warned that it could resort to continued military strikes against Iran if diplomatic efforts over Tehran’s nuclear programme fail amid rising tensions between both countries.
US Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth, issued the warning during remarks at the US Central Command (CENTCOM) headquarters in Florida on Wednesday, stating that Washington remains open to a deal but is prepared to intensify military pressure if necessary.
Hegseth said the US military could sustain further operations against Iran if Tehran continues to resist reaching a nuclear agreement with Washington under President Donald Trump’s administration.
“Central Command will be busy tonight because President Trump said we will be hitting Iran hard, and we will. We will negotiate with bombs if need be,” he said.
He added that Iran still had an opportunity to reach what he described as a “strong and workable agreement,” claiming that Washington had already laid out a clear diplomatic path which Tehran had not fully accepted.
According to him, the proposed arrangement is intended to formalise commitments Iran has previously indicated willingness to consider, but has yet to implement.
Hegseth further stated that repeated delays by Iranian authorities had stalled progress in negotiations, despite ongoing efforts by the United States to settle on nuclear-related concerns.
He maintained that additional military actions were already being planned and could continue for as long as Iran refuses to conclude a formal agreement with Washington.
