ISLAMABAD: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday that Iran has an opportunity to secure a nuclear deal if it abandons any pursuit of a nuclear weapon in a verifiable manner.

Hegseth said Iran has a “historic chance to make a serious deal” and said the outcome depends on its decision regarding its nuclear program. He spoke at a Pentagon briefing alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force General Dan Caine.

“All they have to do is abandon a nuclear weapon in meaningful and verifiable ways,” Hegseth said.

Meanwhile, the General Caine said US operations tied to maritime security have been underway since April 8, the day a ceasefire was announced after 55 days of combat operations involving Iran. Caine said sea lanes remain open but warned that any attempt to deploy mines would violate ceasefire terms.

He said US forces have intercepted vessels linked to sanctioned Iranian oil shipments in recent days. Several ships were seized and are being held by US authorities, he reported.

The Pentagon chief said Iran must decide whether to move toward diplomacy or face continued pressure. He said US forces were prepared to respond to any actions that threaten shipping or regional security.

Hegseth said US forces are authorized to act against Iranian fast boats if they threaten maritime movement or attempt to disrupt shipping. He stated the United States is not under pressure to reach a deal and will maintain its position while negotiations continue.

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Iran has chance to make deal, abandon nuclear pursuit: Pentagon chief