The Pentagon is warning Iran to negotiate a permanent deal with the U.S. as the second week of a temporary ceasefire between the two nations continues. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a warning during a Pentagon briefing earlier today, saying, “We’re watching you. Our capabilities are not the same, our military and yours. Remember, this is not a fair fight. And we know what military assets you are moving and where you are moving them to.” The briefing also provided updates on the naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. leaders reported that 14 vessels have been turned around in the past 72 hours, with more than 10,000 American troops enforcing the blockade. President Donald Trump announced a separate temporary ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon this afternoon, addressing one of Iran’s key demands for broader negotiations. Leaders from both sides have agreed to a 10-day halt in fighting, and President Trump has invited representatives from both groups to the White House to continue diplomatic talks. The ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is set to expire next week, and no second round of peace talks has been scheduled. Pakistan’s army chief met with Iranian officials on Thursday in an effort to extend the ceasefire, as questions over Iran’s uranium enrichment program persist. Iran maintains that its enrichment activities are for peaceful purposes. Trump commented on the ongoing negotiations, saying, “If Iran wants to make a deal. And we’re dealing very nicely with them. We’ve got to have no nuclear weapons. If we do, that’s a big factor. And they’re willing to do things today that they weren’t willing to do two months ago.”Watch the latest coverage on the war in Iran:
WASHINGTON —
The Pentagon is warning Iran to negotiate a permanent deal with the U.S. as the second week of a temporary ceasefire between the two nations continues.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a warning during a Pentagon briefing earlier today, saying, “We’re watching you. Our capabilities are not the same, our military and yours. Remember, this is not a fair fight. And we know what military assets you are moving and where you are moving them to.”
The briefing also provided updates on the naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. leaders reported that 14 vessels have been turned around in the past 72 hours, with more than 10,000 American troops enforcing the blockade.
President Donald Trump announced a separate temporary ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon this afternoon, addressing one of Iran’s key demands for broader negotiations. Leaders from both sides have agreed to a 10-day halt in fighting, and President Trump has invited representatives from both groups to the White House to continue diplomatic talks.
The ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is set to expire next week, and no second round of peace talks has been scheduled. Pakistan’s army chief met with Iranian officials on Thursday in an effort to extend the ceasefire, as questions over Iran’s uranium enrichment program persist. Iran maintains that its enrichment activities are for peaceful purposes.
Trump commented on the ongoing negotiations, saying, “If Iran wants to make a deal. And we’re dealing very nicely with them. We’ve got to have no nuclear weapons. If we do, that’s a big factor. And they’re willing to do things today that they weren’t willing to do two months ago.”
Watch the latest coverage on the war in Iran: