Hegseth Says Pentagon’s Job Now Is to Pressure Iran Into Talks

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said diplomatic talks to end the conflict with Iran are “gaining strength” and the US military’s job is to maintain military pressure and compel Tehran to make a deal.

Hegseth’s comments come as the war enters its second month with Iranian threats of retaliation keeping the vital Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, sending energy prices soaring and ramping up pressure on the White House to find diplomatic off-ramps.

Hegseth stressed the primary focus now is to negotiate an end to the war with Tehran. He said talks led by White House envoy Steve Witkoff and ...