'Question Is If Iran Will Take It': US Defence Secretary Says Nuclear Deal Still On The Table

Last Updated:June 17, 2025, 08:30 IST

Pete Hegseth said United States is 'postured defensively in the region to be strong---in pursuit of a peace deal'

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. (AP Image)

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday that President Donald Trump’s position on the nuclear deal “has not changed" and the question now is “if Iran will take it".

In an interview with Fox News, when asked about the nuclear deal with Iran amid the country’s escalating conflict with Israel, Hegseth said: “What you are watching in real time is peace through strength and America First. Our job is to be strong. We are postured defensively in the region to be strong—in pursuit of a peace deal. And we certainly hope that’s what happens here."

Noting the rise in hostilities in the region, the defence secretary pushed for ‘America First’. “America First means we will defend our personnel and our interests. So, when you see jets and air defence assets, that’s because my job, as secretary defence, is to ensure that our people are safe and we are strong so that we can set the conditions for a deal."

He added: “President Trump has made it clear that it’s on the table. The question is whether Iran will take it."

Apoorva Misra

Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. M...Read More

Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. M...

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News world 'Question Is If Iran Will Take It': US Defence Secretary Says Nuclear Deal Still On The Table