Pentagon Ready to Execute Any Trump Decision on Iran, Says Defense Secretary
US 'prepared to execute' Trump's Iran decision, says Defense Sec. Trump weighs strikes, calls for 'unconditional surrender' but says Iran sought talks. 'I may do it, I may not,' he states.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Wednesday that the American military is “prepared to execute” any decision President Donald Trump may make regarding war or peace, amid mounting tensions with Iran and the potential for U.S. military involvement alongside Israeli strikes.
Addressing the Senate Armed Services Committee, Hegseth emphasized the Pentagon’s readiness while declining to confirm any specific strike preparations. “If and when those decisions are made, the Department (of Defense) is prepared to execute them,” he asserted.
Trump: "I May Do It, I May Not Do It"
The remarks come as President Trump publicly weighs whether to authorize U.S. strikes on Iran, following days of escalating conflict between Tehran and Tel Aviv. Speaking from the White House South Lawn during a flag-raising event, Trump stated, “I may do it, I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do.”
Trump disclosed that Iranian officials had reached out to open negotiations, reportedly even suggesting a visit to the White House to discuss Tehran’s nuclear program in a bid to halt Israeli attacks. However, the president dismissed the overture as “very late.”
“They’ve suggested that they come to the White House. That’s, you know, courageous, but it’s, like, not easy for them to do,” Trump said, noting a stark shift in dynamics over the past week.
"Unconditional Surrender"
Asked about his previous call for Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” Trump did not back down. “It’s very simple — unconditional surrender. That means I’ve had it, okay? I’ve had it,” he told reporters. “We go and blow up all the nuclear stuff that’s all over the place.”
Trump likened the Islamic Republic to “schoolyard bullies” who are now being confronted. While suggesting the door to diplomacy remained open, he reiterated that his patience had worn thin. “Nothing is too late,” he added.
The White House has yet to confirm whether a decision has been made, but the president's comments and the Pentagon's posture underscore the gravity of the situation and the possibility of direct American military involvement in the days ahead.
