Print
Close
Hegseth warns Iranian leaders to 'choose wisely' on deal with US: 'We are locked and loaded'
By Anders Hagstrom
Published April 16, 2026
War Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iranian leaders to "choose wisely" on whether to accept a peace deal with the U.S. on Thursday.
Hegseth made the comments during a press briefing at the Pentagon, saying the U.S. military is "locked and loaded" and prepared to strike Iran's energy infrastructure.
"We'll start with a message to Iran's military leadership," Hegseth said. "We're watching you. Our capabilities are not the same, our military and yours. Remember, this is not a fair fight, and we know what military assets you are moving and where you are moving them to while you are digging out, which is exactly what you're doing. Digging out of bombed out and devastated facilities."
"We are only getting stronger. You are digging out your remaining launchers and missiles with no ability to replace them. You have no defense industry, no ability to replenish your offensive or defensive capabilities. You only have what you have. You know that. And we know that you can move things around, but you can't actually rebuild. You can dig out for now, but you can't reconstitute. But we can," he said.
TRUMP DETAILS SWEEPING 'ALL OR NOTHING' BLOCKADE OF STRAIT OF HORMUZ AFTER FAILED IRAN TALKS
Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. (Oliver Contreras / AFP via Getty Images)
"If Iran chooses poorly, they will have a blockade and bombs dropping on infrastructure, power and energy," Hegseth added.
IRAN THREATENS TO HALT RED SEA TRAFFIC IN RESPONSE TO US MILITARY BLOCKADE OF PORTS
Hegseth was joined at Thursday's briefing by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine and U.S. Central Command Commander Adm. Brad Cooper, who recently returned from the front lines.
The U.S. is engaged in peace talks with Iran. (Jacquelyn Martin/Pool via AP Photo)
Hegseth said Cooper is making sure the U.S. military "continues to implement an ironclad blockade and ensures that our forces are maximally postured to restart combat operations should this new Iranian regime choose poorly and not agree to a deal."
"We are reloading with more power than ever before and better intelligence, even more importantly, better intelligence than ever before," he said in his message to Iran.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to strike Iran's energy infrastructure. (Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
"As you expose yourself with your movement to our watchful eye, we are locked and loaded on your critical dual-use infrastructure, on your remaining power generation and on your energy industry. We'd rather not have to do it, but we're ready to go at the command of our president and at the push of a button," he also said.
This is a developing story. Check back soon for updates.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/hegseth-warns-iranian-leaders-choose-wisely-deal-us-we-locked-loaded