By Gareth Vipers

Pete Hegseth said removing Iran's nuclear capabilities remained a key aim of the war, adding that the U.S. was open to negotiations.

"We've said from the beginning, deny Iran nuclear weapons as a core mission," he said. "This mission actually couldn't have been possible without Midnight Hammer, without what those B-2s did, going across and obliterating those facilities that set the condition for the opportunity to do what we're doing now."

Responding to a question about whether or not the U.S. would need to destroy Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles before concluding the war, Hegseth said he would welcome a negotiated settlement.

"We have a range of options, up to and including Iran deciding that they will give those up, which, of course, we would welcome," he said.

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March 13, 2026 08:54 ET (12:54 GMT)

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