On Monday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Fox News that President Donald Trump remains committed to reaching a nuclear agreement with Iran amidst escalating violence involving Israel, a U.S. ally. A White House aide separately stated that Washington is not engaging in attacks against Iran.
When asked if Trump is still pursuing a nuclear deal with Iran, Hegseth responded, “Absolutely.”
He added, “We are in a defensive posture in the region to strengthen our efforts towards achieving a peace agreement. We certainly hope for that outcome.”
In a social media post on Monday, Trump stated, “Everyone should evacuate Tehran immediately,” referring to what he described as Tehran’s rejection of a deal to limit nuclear weapons development.
Israel launched attacks on Iran last Friday, leading to ongoing exchanges of strikes between the two sides. Iranian officials reported that over 220 individuals, primarily civilians, have died in the past five days, while Israel cited 24 civilian fatalities.
Israel asserts that its goal is to eliminate what it considers threats posed by Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Iran denies any intent to develop nuclear weapons, emphasizing its right to pursue nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including enrichment, as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
So far, Washington has maintained that it is not involved in the Israeli attacks on Iran and has cautioned Tehran against targeting American interests or personnel in the region.
Hegseth mentioned to Fox News, “We are vigilant and prepared, continuously sending messages from the outset that we are present in the region to protect our people and assets.”
Alex Pfeiffer, a White House aide, refuted claims circulating on social media that the U.S. is attacking Iran, stating, “That is not true. U.S. forces remain in a defensive posture, and that has not changed.”