U.S. Warns of Action Against Irans Nuclear Activities, Says Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth

Washington, November 10 (Daily Kiran) : U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Tuesday that Washington may take action if Iran resumes activities at its damaged nuclear sites. During a press conference at the Pentagon, he emphasized that a ceasefire does not mean the U.S. will stop monitoring Iran.

Hegseth confirmed that the U.S. military is capable of keeping tabs on Iran’s nuclear facilities and its attempts to rebuild military capabilities. His comments came in response to reports suggesting that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is trying to procure weapons despite U.S. blockades.

“We are able to monitor those nuclear sites. If we detect any suspicious activity that necessitates action, we will take steps,” Hegseth remarked. He assured that the U.S. administration has surveillance capabilities to track various developments, though he did not specify which nuclear sites are under observation or what activities might trigger a response.

Discussing the blockade, Hegseth stated, “The blockade has remained robust. Nothing has been able to get through.” He claimed that sanctions on Iran’s energy economy and damage from the ongoing conflict have made it difficult for Tehran to restore its military strength and nuclear infrastructure. However, he acknowledged that Iran would likely attempt to regain its lost capabilities.

Hegseth noted, “They have built tunnels and underground facilities. We know they will try to restore their capabilities.” He referred to “Operation Epic Fury” as a significant military success, stating that the U.S. military struck over 13,000 targets in less than 40 days, inflicting substantial damage on Iran’s navy, air force, and defense production systems.

He also mentioned “Operation Midnight Hammer,” during which U.S. B-2 bombers targeted Iranian nuclear sites. Hegseth claimed that this operation completely destroyed those facilities, although he did not provide a technical or independent assessment of the damage.

According to Hegseth, more than 80 percent of Iran’s nuclear industrial infrastructure has been destroyed, and the U.S. blockade remains effective. He acknowledged the human cost of the conflict, noting that 18 American citizens lost their lives during “Operation Epic Fury,” and he participated in memorial ceremonies in Dover to honor them.

When asked about Vice President J.D. Vance’s comment linking Iran to losses for the Republican Party in the midterm elections, Hegseth praised Vance’s role but refrained from commenting on the election outcomes. “I hold the Vice President in high regard. I am not interested in placing blame,” he said.

Hegseth reiterated that military action against Iran was necessary to prevent the country from acquiring nuclear weapons.