WASHINGTON: The administration of US President Donald Trump is not ruling out military action against Iran, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said, as Washington announced sweeping economic measures aimed at increasing pressure on Tehran.
Hegseth said the United States was keeping open the possibility of using force against Iran, including in and around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
LIVE: @SecWar speaks to the media in Oshkosh, Wi. https://t.co/ITQ6ERRVN5
— Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) August 24, 2026
“By no means are we foreclosing using kinetic strikes anywhere in the Strait of Hormuz or around Iran,” Hegseth told reporters, according to Reuters.
His remarks came as the Trump administration unveiled an “economic D-Day” against Tehran, signalling a major escalation in its campaign to pressure Iran through economic measures.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, carrying a substantial share of global oil and gas shipments.
Any military confrontation in or around the strait could therefore have significant consequences for international energy markets and global trade.
Hegseth’s comments indicate that Washington’s strategy is not limited to economic pressure and that military options remain under consideration if the situation deteriorates.
READ ALSO: US Unveils ‘Unprecedented’ Economic Campaign Against Iran
The US defence chief did not provide details about the circumstances under which the administration might authorise military action. His warning, however, comes amid heightened tensions involving Iran and growing concerns over the security of commercial shipping in the Gulf and surrounding waters.
The Trump administration has continued to increase pressure on Tehran while warning Iran against actions that could threaten US interests or international shipping.
The latest remarks are likely to further raise concerns among regional governments, shipping companies and energy markets over the possibility of a wider confrontation in the Gulf.
