Hegseth says US ready for further strikes on Iran

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday declared that Washington is prepared to order additional military strikes against Iran if necessary, asserting that American forces maintain an "ironclad" blockade of the Strait of Hormuz while Tehran remains unable to export oil through the critical waterway. Speaking to reporters in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, following an address to defense contractors, Hegseth dismissed suggestions that kinetic operations were on hold. "No. If we need to use kinetic strikes, we'll use them," he said, adding that the administration would not hesitate to act if Iranian forces threatened US personnel.

Hegseth warned Tehran against escalating tensions in the region. "If Iran is foolish enough to overplay their hand or mess with the American military, we'll do what we need to do," he stated, emphasizing that economic sanctions were currently inflicting severe damage on the Iranian economy. Despite the focus on financial pressure, the defense secretary stressed that military options remained active across the region. The US was "by no means" ruling out strikes "anywhere in the Strait of Hormuz or around Iran," he noted, while claiming Washington could protect commercial shipping lanes even as Iranian oil exports remained blocked.

Pentagon urges 'wartime footing'

Hegseth urged American defense contractors to "pivot to a wartime footing" as the administration seeks $1.5 trillion in military funding from Congress. He indicated the Pentagon expected approval even during a potential lame-duck session following November's midterm elections, describing munitions procurement as "pretty sacred" given long-term agreements to expand stockpiles two-, three- or fourfold. The secretary declined to address reports of depleted ATACMS missile inventories, stating only that the military maintained "plenty" of the long-range weapons.

USS Abraham Lincoln heading home

Hegseth confirmed the USS Abraham Lincoln is returning to port after more than eight months at sea without a port call — a US Navy record. "To the sailors and families of the Lincoln, I say godspeed on a historic mission. Congratulations, you're on your way home," he said, describing the deployment as tougher and longer than most. Families of sailors have reported worsening conditions and morale aboard the carrier, though Hegseth rejected such claims as "completely misrepresented." The Lincoln's extended deployment had supported operations in the region since early this year.