Hegseth Warns Iran: Abandon Nuclear Ambitions or Face “the Kind of Devastation” America Can Bring
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran on Saturday to abandon its nuclear ambitions and negotiate “or face military action”, cautioning Tehran of “the kind of devastation that America can bring and will bring swiftly if necessary.”
What Hegseth Said in Tennessee
Speaking at the University of Tennessee on Saturday, October 17, Hegseth said Iran must give up its nuclear ambitions and come to the negotiating table — or face American military action.
Missiles, Hezbollah and the Houthis
Hegseth accused Tehran of expanding its missile program and financing groups including Hezbollah and the Houthis, saying the United States would not tolerate continued escalation.
Trump’s Push to “Reassert US Power”
The warning was framed as part of President Donald Trump’s push to “reassert US power” around the world. Hegseth also described Venezuela as a strategic partner of Iran.
Why It Matters for the Region
The comments come amid a running US–Iran standoff with direct implications for Gulf security and energy markets — issues that matter deeply for Pakistan and the wider region.
Sources: Hürriyet Daily News (Anadolu Agency), Gulf News (Oct 18, 2026).
