US Defence Secretary Warns of Decisive Days in Iran Conflict
Escalation signals from Washington and Tehran
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday said the coming days would be decisive in the ongoing conflict with Iran, warning that military action would intensify if Tehran does not agree to a deal. He indicated that diplomatic talks were ongoing, but the United States remained prepared for continued confrontation.
Hegseth, speaking in Washington after visiting U.S. troops in the Middle East, said the U.S. had expanded its strategic options while Iran’s capabilities were being reduced. He added that President Donald Trump remained open to negotiations even as pressure increased on Tehran.
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Iran issues fresh threats against US companies
In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned they would target major U.S. companies operating in the region from Wednesday. The list included firms such as Microsoft, Google, Apple, Intel, IBM, Tesla and Boeing.
The warning followed a series of escalating attacks. Iran recently set ablaze a fully loaded oil tanker off Dubai, marking another strike on merchant vessels in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz since U.S. and Israeli operations began on February 28.
Oil markets react to tanker attack
Global oil prices surged after the tanker incident, reflecting concerns over supply disruptions. The vessel, identified as the Kuwait-flagged Al-Salmi, was carrying around 2 million barrels of oil valued at over $200 million.
Authorities in Dubai confirmed the fire was brought under control following a drone attack, with no injuries or oil spill reported. Data showed the tanker was en route to Qingdao, China, carrying Saudi and Kuwaiti crude.
Brent crude futures rose sharply to above $118 per barrel, heading towards a record monthly gain. In the United States, average gasoline prices crossed $4 per gallon for the first time in over three years, adding to domestic economic pressure.
Military operations and regional spread
U.S. General Dan Caine said military operations continued to target Iran’s infrastructure, including manufacturing and research facilities. He noted that more than 150 Iranian naval vessels had been destroyed.
Reinforcements, including troops from the 82nd Airborne Division, have begun arriving in the Middle East. The move could expand U.S. military options, including a possible ground operation.
The conflict has widened across the region. Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen have launched attacks on Israel, while Turkey reported intercepting a ballistic missile that briefly entered its airspace.
Calls for ceasefire amid rising tensions
Amid continued hostilities, China and Pakistan have called for an immediate ceasefire. Their foreign ministers, meeting in Beijing, urged all parties to initiate peace talks at the earliest.
Iran, however, has rejected U.S. peace proposals, calling them unrealistic and excessive. The conflict, now entering its second month, has disrupted energy supplies and raised concerns over wider economic impact.
Tags 🏷️: Iran conflict, US Iran tensions, oil prices, Gulf tanker attack, global crisis