U.S. Defense Secretary Says Iran Deal Was Reached from a Position of Strength

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the agreement with Iran was reached because Washington negotiated from a position of strength. He argued that Iran did not receive any “gifts” in the deal and that the United States is ready to enforce it.

“If Iran does not comply with the agreement, we will be more than prepared to respond and restore the ‘iron blockade,’” Hegseth said, using the phrase to describe a forceful U.S. posture if Tehran breaks the terms.

He also said the United States will be the “whip” standing behind the negotiations, signaling that American pressure remains central to the deal’s implementation.