US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says upcoming days in Iran conflict will be decisive, as talks gain strength and military campaign continues.

WASHINGTON: Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth declared the next days in the Iran war will be “decisive”.

He made the statement while refusing to rule out a potential role for US ground forces in the conflict.

“The upcoming days will be decisive. Iran knows that, and there’s almost nothing they can militarily do about it,” Hegseth said during a news conference.

He declined to specify if ground troops would be deployed, stating that revealing such plans would aid the adversary.

“You can’t fight and win a war if you tell your adversary what you are willing to do, or what you are not willing to do, to include boots on the ground,” he said.

Hegseth revealed he made an unannounced weekend visit to US troops in the Middle East region.

He said talks aimed at ending the conflict were “gaining strength” despite the ongoing military campaign.

“They are very real. They are ongoing, they are active, and I think, gaining strength,” Hegseth said of the negotiations.

General Dan Caine, speaking alongside Hegseth, provided an update on military operations.

He stated US forces have struck more than 11,000 targets so far in the campaign.

Caine said operations continue to focus on destroying Iran’s ballistic missile and drone capabilities.

The US also remains focused on interdicting supply chains and asserting dominance over the Iranian navy.

 The Sun Malaysia