Washington, April 24, 2026 (New York time) — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a tough message regarding Iran: the door to negotiations still exists, but time is no longer on Tehran’s side amid increasing military and economic pressure.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr. Hegseth emphasized that Donald Trump’s stance remains unchanged: the U.S. is in no hurry to reach an agreement, but will maintain maximum pressure and is ready for military action if necessary.
“Iran still has the opportunity to make the right choice at the bargaining table,” Hegseth said, while demanding that Tehran must abandon its nuclear weapon ambitions in a “meaningful and verifiable” manner, as U.S.–Iran negotiations resume in Geneva, drawing international attention.
He warned that without action, Iran would face mounting economic pressure from U.S. measures, especially as the blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz continues, despite previous predictions that the Strait of Hormuz would automatically reopen when military objectives were completed.
“The choice is theirs, but with the current blockade, time is not on Iran’s side,” he emphasized.
These remarks come as tensions between the two sides continue to escalate, even as Vice President JD Vance enters decisive negotiations in Pakistan, though diplomatic efforts have yet to achieve a clear breakthrough.
