Pentagon Chief Says All Options in Approach to Iran Still Open

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. (Wikimedia Commons/DoD/Benjamin Applebaum)

JAKARTA - Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday said the United States remains open to all options in its approach to Iran while urging the country to negotiate an agreement.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to Colorado, Secretary of Defense Hegseth reiterated President Donald Trump's preference for a diplomatic solution but noted the US military was prepared with contingency plans if Iran refused to reach an agreement.

"Iran must reach an agreement. Iran has the opportunity to reach an agreement. That is the result the president wants," he said, launching Anadolu (24/2).

"Our job is to provide options, and we will have options for the president if Iran decides not to reach an agreement," said Secretary of Defense Hegseth.

When asked if a military strike was still being considered, Hegseth said "all options are still on the table."

"That's the president's decision. We're here to help make sure that an agreement is reached." And I think Iran would be wise to make a good deal," he added.

Earlier on Monday, President Trump rejected media reports that Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine advised the president and other senior officials that military action in Iran could carry a high risk and entangle the US in a prolonged conflict in the region.

President Trump stressed that any decision on military action would ultimately be up to him.

"I make the decisions, I prefer an agreement to not having one, but if we don't make an agreement, it will be a very bad day for the country and, unfortunately, for its people, because they are great and wonderful, and this kind of thing should never happen to them," he said.

It is known that delegations from Iran and the US are scheduled to meet again in Geneva, Switzerland on Thursday to continue negotiations on a potential nuclear deal amid rising regional tensions and speculation about an imminent war.