U.S. Defense Secretary Warns Iran Against Retaliation, Confirms Precision of Nuclear Site Strikes
“It would be a very bad idea,” Hegseth said, replying to a question from Kurdistan24’s Washington D.C. correspondent during a joint press conference held at the Pentagon. “The United States will respond very strongly to any Iranian attack on U.S. interests or allies in the region.”
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Sunday warned Iran against launching retaliatory attacks on American interests or allies in the Middle East, stating that such a move would be met with a powerful response from Washington.
“It would be a very bad idea,” Hegseth said, replying to a question from Kurdistan24’s Washington D.C. correspondent during a joint press conference held at the Pentagon. “The United States will respond very strongly to any Iranian attack on U.S. interests or allies in the region.”
The remarks came just hours after U.S. B-2 stealth bombers carried out coordinated airstrikes targeting three of Iran’s primary nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. The strikes marked one of the most direct military confrontations between the two nations in recent years.
Responding to another Kurdistan24 inquiry, Hegseth confirmed that the airstrikes had hit their intended targets precisely, but noted that the overall impact of the operation is still being evaluated. “The strikes achieved their planned objectives,” he said, “and the assessment of their full effect is currently underway.”
The press conference was also attended by General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who explained the details of the operation that focused on neutralizing Iran's nuclear threats
Tensions in the region remain high as Iranian leaders have vowed to respond to what they call “American military aggression,” raising concerns about a potential escalation into wider regional conflict. Washington, meanwhile, continues to signal its readiness to defend its forces and partners across the Middle East.
