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

U.S. forces in the Middle East are postured to restart ‌combat operations immediately if Iran doesn't agree to a peace deal, American War Minister Hegseth id on Thursday.

As part of a campaign to pressure Tehran to sign an agreement, U.S. military ​forces are mounting a blockade on all ships seeking to enter or ​leave Iran.

"You Iran, can choose a prosperous future, a golden ⁠bridge, and we hope that you do for the people of ​Iran," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Pentagon briefing.

"But if Iran chooses ​poorly, then they will have a blockade and bombs dropping on infrastructure, power and energy."

The Trump administration expressed optimism on Wednesday about reaching a deal to end the war ​with Iran, while also warning of increasing economic pressure against Tehran ​if it remains defiant.

Hegseth, addressing the Iranian leadership, said "this is not a fair ‌fight, ⁠and we know what military assets you are moving and where you are moving them to."

General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said U.S. forces were "ready to resume major combat operations at literally a ​moment's notice."