The news conference so far has revealed few details about the broader conflict, nor has it explained how the administration intends to handle the war or how the United States will emerge from it.
Importantly, Defense Secretary Pat Hegseth’s statement that “Iran has a choice” is particularly meaningful.
By saying that Iran must “choose wisely” and reminding us that “this president doesn’t joke,” Hegseth is essentially repeating what Trump has been saying in the past… namely, that Iran must come to the negotiating table and accept American demands, or it could face further and more severe attacks.
Such talks have not yet taken place, and Trump has previously said that the “major proposal” put forward by Iran was “not enough.”
It is not clear what the proposal included, but Iran has reportedly made tough demands and is wary of the US proposal.
In multiple phone interviews today, Trump expressed optimism that a deal was possible, but at the same time he kept open the possibility that devastating strikes against Iranian infrastructure could still be an option.
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