US forces ready to restart combat if Iran doesn't agree a deal, says Hegseth

WASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) - U.S. forces in the Middle East are postured to restart combat operations if Iran doesn't agree to a peace deal, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Pentagon briefing on Thursday. "You Iran, can choose a prosperous future, a golden bridge, and we hope that you do for the people of Iran," he said. "But if Iran chooses poorly, then they will have a blockade and bombs dropping on infrastructure, power and energy."
2026-04-16 12:36:49