HIGH
'Trump doesn't bluff': Pentagon chief warns Iran, says US wants deal but 'prepared to continue with bombs'
Times of India World8 hours ago
72
/100
HIGHThreat Assessment
The article reports a public, escalatory warning from Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth that the US prefers a negotiated deal with Iran but is "prepared to continue with bombs," urging Tehran to accept terms and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In the context of the ongoing US/Israel‑Iran conflict and recent attacks affecting oil prices, this rhetoric increases near‑term risk of further kinetic strikes and retaliation.
Summary
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth declared upcoming days "decisive" in the Middle East conflict, warning Iran to "cut a deal" as President Trump "doesn’t bluff." He emphasized shifting power dynamics and US options, urging Tehran to relinquish ambitions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Escalation continues with recent attacks impacting oil prices.
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Identified Entities
Countries & Regions
United StatesIranPentagonPete HegsethPresident TrumpStrait of Hormuz
Weapons & Military
bombsstrikesnaval/maritime operations
Threat Indicators
military action
nuclear threat
cyber warfare
terrorism
Key Phrases
"Senior US defense official publicly signals willingness to continue kinetic operations, increasing probability of additional strikes.""Rhetoric aims to coerce Iranian acceptance of US terms, which can harden Iranian resolve and provoke retaliatory measures.""Threat specifically ties to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint — any action there would have outsized regional and global impact.""Ongoing attacks have already impacted oil prices; further escalation would likely exacerbate energy market disruption and economic fallout.""Comments come amid an already high‑intensity US/Israel‑Iran war and Houthi-linked regional threats, raising multi‑actor escalation risk."