US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that if the United States must negotiate through bombs, it will do so, adding that 'we are very good at that.' His remarks, reported by Israeli sources, reinforce the administration's military pressure campaign against Iran as the US prepares for major strikes.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth escalated his rhetoric toward Iran on Wednesday night, stating that the US is prepared to 'negotiate through bombs' if necessary. 'If we have to negotiate through bombs, we'll negotiate through bombs. We are very good at that,' Hegseth said, without specifying targets or timing.
The remarks come hours after Hegseth announced that the US would strike Iran 'hard tonight,' targeting key facilities — not to restart a war, but to set terms for a deal. He characterized the Pentagon's role as setting the conditions for the deal President Trump expects, signaling the end of the diplomatic phase.
This is the latest in a rapid escalation of US threats against Iran, including earlier reports by Israeli journalist Amit Segal that the US would strike 'major facilities,' and analyst assessments that Trump is adopting a 'negotiating under fire' strategy. The Iranian leadership has responded with warnings: Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf said Iran is 'far more fluent' in military language if diplomacy fails.
Hegseth's latest statement, reported through Israeli channels, underscores the administration's willingness to use overwhelming force as leverage, while leaving room for negotiations — provided Iran accepts terms the US determines.
- ConfirmedHegseth warns US will hit Iran hard on American terms
- StrongHegseth says US on track to sign deal with Iran, expects talks to continue
- ConfirmedHegseth vows US will hit Iran hard across key facilities tonight
- DevelopingHegseth says US will keep large forces in region, reinstate Iran siege if commitments unmet
Source and signal
- Internal intake