WASHINGTON — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday that the coming days will be “decisive” as Washington weighs its next steps on Iran.“We have more and more options, and they have less,” Hegseth said at a news conference alongside Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine. “The upcoming days will be decisive.”He said the United States is seeking a deal with Iran but is prepared to continue military operations if negotiations fail.Hegseth said all options remain on the table, including potential ground operations, adding that Washington has multiple military approaches available.Caine said U.S. forces have struck more than 11,000 targets over the past 30 days, as part of efforts to degrade Iran’s military capabilities.He added that more than 150 Iranian naval vessels have been destroyed, with operations continuing against key military and industrial sites.Caine urged Iran to consider diplomacy, saying U.S. forces remain active in the region.Hegseth also said countries should play a greater role in securing the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that responsibility for the waterway extends beyond the United States.The remarks come as regional tensions continue following the escalation that began on Feb. 28.
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