Pete Hegseth doubles down on Trump's 'World War' threat saying US is 'locked and loaded' - EUROPE SAYS
Pete Hegseth has declared that the U. S. military remains “locked and loaded,” doubling down on a major foreign policy tease from President Donald Trump regarding Iran. Hegsethtook toXon Sunday to share a video. . .
Pete Hegseth has declared that the U. S. military remains “locked and loaded,” doubling down on a major foreign policy tease from President Donald Trump regarding Iran. Hegsethtook toXon Sunday to share a video ofTrumpdiscussing a potential peace deal with the Islamic Republic, just hours after he announced to the world that he had called off a massive attack. Accompanying the footage, the Department of War chief issued a stark reminder of America’s current military readiness, writing, “Fact. The @DeptofWar was ready to go – and remains ready – at levels not seen since World War 2. Locked and loaded. ”The aggressive signaling comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, contrasting a message of overwhelming military deterrence with the administration’s stated diplomatic goals. Trump has frequently asserted that his “maximum pressure” strategy and unmatched military strength are the primary drivers forcing adversaries to the negotiating table. Donald Trump has repeatedly framed Iran’s willingness to negotiate as a submission to his pressure (Image: Getty Images)By tagging the official Department of War account and invoking the scale of the Second World War, Hegseth’s post underscores the administration’s shift toward a highly visible, aggressive posture. The comments leave international observers and Washington insiders parsing whether the administration is on the brink of a historic diplomatic breakthrough or a major military escalation. Formal negotiations are scheduled to officially begin through regional intermediaries on Monday afternoon. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasized that the looming deal was forged from a position of absolute power. “It would have been disastrous for them, and they didn’t want us to do it,” Trump said regarding the canceled bombings. “The deal is imminent. ”Despite the administration’s triumphant tone, international observers remain cautious. DON’T MISS:While Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged the U. S. to commit to past diplomatic memorandums, Iranian state media has downplayed claims that Tehran begged for the strikes to be called off. Furthermore, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly held a crucial phone call with Trump to heavily push for de-escalation, fearing that further military action would plunge the entire region into an irreversible crisis. By highlighting the scale of WWII preparedness, Hegseth’s message serves as a clear warning to Tehran: if Monday’s high-stakes diplomatic talks falter, the U. S. military is fully prepared to unleash an unprecedented wave of force. Tags:Dødpentagonpete hegsethSecretary of Defense