US Secretary of War and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, today, said that the upcoming days of war with Iran will be decisive. During a news conference, his first in nearly two weeks, he said talks on ending the conflict were gaining strength even as the more than month-long US-Israeli military campaign against Iran continued. 

 

The Pentagon chief, however, refused to rule out US ground forces playing a role in the conflict. The top US military officer, General Dan Caine, spoke alongside Mr Hegseth, saying that US forces have struck more than 11,000 targets so far. He said the United States continues to destroy Iran’s ballistic missile and drone capabilities. He stressed that they remained focused on interdicting and destroying the logistical and supply chains that feed these programs. He added that the United States continues to assert dominance over the Iranian navy and remains focused on targeting their mine-laying capability and their naval assets.

 

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, in a social media post, again criticized European allies for not getting more involved in the war, demanding that the UK and other countries that are in need of fuel should go get their own oil from the Strait of Hormuz. He said they will have to start learning how to fight for themselves, as the US won’t be there to help them anymore, just like they weren’t there for the United States.

 

Meanwhile, a Kuwaiti oil tanker carrying millions of barrels of crude oil has been hit near Dubai, with officials blaming Iran for the strike. Media reports said the 24 crew aboard are safe, and the blaze is under control. New strikes and interceptions are reported in Israel, Iran and the UAE, with multiple people injured from falling debris in Dubai.