U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has reiterated Washington’s military pressure on Iran while warning that Tehran will seek to rebuild capabilities damaged during the conflict.
Asked whether there was evidence that Iran is currently attempting to restore its missile capabilities and launchers, Hegseth said Iran would try to rebuild those capabilities. He argued that the scale of the damage inflicted on the country would make any reconstruction process slow and difficult, while emphasizing that Washington is monitoring the situation.
Hegseth also addressed the broader U.S. military posture toward Iran. Asked whether the USS Theodore Roosevelt would replace one of the aircraft carriers already in the region or whether three carriers could be deployed under U.S. Central Command, he declined to provide a direct answer, saying President Donald Trump will have options.
On the pressure campaign, Hegseth said the U.S. blockade could continue for as long as necessary and could be adjusted depending on circumstances. He also reiterated Washington’s position that Iran will not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, saying the United States would take whatever action it considers necessary to prevent that outcome.
Hegseth said Trump has given Iran opportunities to pursue a diplomatic solution, while emphasizing the scale of previous U.S. military strikes. The combination of continued pressure, uncertainty over future deployments and Washington’s focus on Iran’s ability to rebuild its military infrastructure keeps the country’s missile capabilities, launchers and broader defense capacity at the center of the conflict.
For markets, further developments involving U.S. military deployments, Iran’s reconstruction efforts and the Strait of Hormuz remain key factors to watch as the situation evolves.
