US defense chief warns Iran, says 'all options' are ready if needed

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued a stark warning to Iran, stating that Washington is ready to employ "all options" to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting alongside President Donald Trump on Thursday, Hegseth emphasized that the door for a diplomatic agreement remains open, but military readiness is paramount.

Alignment with President's Remarks and Recent Precedent

Secretary Hegseth's comments align with President Trump's statement a day earlier regarding a "massive armada" heading toward Iran and his hope that Tehran would negotiate. Hegseth stressed the Pentagon's readiness to execute any presidential directive, citing the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as an example of the administration's willingness to take decisive military action. "We will be prepared to deliver whatever this president expects," he stated.

Iranian Reactions and Escalating Tensions

The warnings from US officials have prompted strong reactions from Iranian leaders, who have vowed severe retaliation to any attack. The situation is escalating as a US naval fleet reportedly moves closer to Iranian waters, raising the risk of a direct confrontation between the long-time adversaries in the already volatile Middle East.

Regional Stability and the View from Türkiye

For regional neighbors like Türkiye, which shares a border with Iran and prioritizes stability, the escalating rhetoric and military posturing pose a significant threat. Ankara has consistently advocated for diplomatic solutions and de-escalation, warning that a military conflict would have catastrophic consequences for the entire region, triggering new refugee flows and disrupting critical energy supplies and trade routes.