Pentagon says coming days ‘decisive’ in Iran conflict

Washington — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday that the next few days in the ongoing war with Iran would be “decisive,” signaling a potentially critical phase in the escalating conflict.

Speaking at a briefing at the Pentagon, Hegseth said Iran was aware of the situation and suggested its military options were limited. “The upcoming days will be decisive. Iran knows that, and there’s almost nothing they can militarily do about it,” he said.

Hegseth also disclosed that he had visited U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East over the weekend, without providing details on locations or operational plans.

His remarks come amid heightened tensions following weeks of military exchanges between U.S. and allied forces and Iran, with regional security conditions continuing to deteriorate.

The Pentagon has not outlined specific actions expected in the coming days, but the characterization of the period as “decisive” points to a possible turning point in the conflict.

No further operational updates were provided during the briefing.