Pentagon keeps option of kinetic strikes against Iran on the table
United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has made it clear that the U.S. administration does not rule out any options to contain Iran, including the use of kinetic strikes. These statements come in a context marked by the implementation of a new and forceful package of economic sanctions designed to pressure the Tehran regime.
During a tour of a military vehicle manufacturing plant in Wisconsin, Hegseth was emphatic when responding to the possibility of direct military action. The official assured that, in the face of any Iranian provocation or overreach, U.S. forces are prepared to act with determination.
If we need to use kinetic strikes, we will use them. If Iran is reckless enough to overstep or provoke the U.S. military, we will do whatever is necessary. We know that economic pressure is what hurts them the most right now, but we are by no means ruling out the use of kinetic strikes in the Strait of Hormuz or near Iran.
Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense
Operation ‘Economic Pariah’: A financial siege on Tehran
The Pentagon’s stance complements the strategy outlined by the Department of the Treasury. Secretary Scott Bessent recently presented the operation dubbed ‘Economic Pariah’, a financial offensive that seeks to isolate Iran from international markets. The main objective is to sanction any entity or country that maintains trade relations with the Islamic republic.
The sanctions program focuses on neutralizing five strategic pillars that support the Iranian economy:
- Digital assets.
- Technology trading.
- Gold reserves.
- Aviation sector.
- Maritime transport.
This measure comes at a critical moment, just one week after the ceasefire period expired and the 60-day deadline established to advance diplomatic negotiations passed. As the conflict approaches its six-month mark, Washington maintains the message that tightening sanctions is the necessary path to force Tehran to return to the negotiating table and moderate its demands.
