Washington: The United States carried out another round of military strikes against multiple targets inside Iran on June 10, with US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirming that the operation was conducted as an act of self-defence following continued threats to American personnel and international commercial shipping in the region.
Ahead of the strikes, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a stern warning, saying Washington was fully prepared to intensify military operations if diplomatic efforts failed to produce results. He stressed that President Donald Trump remained open to a negotiated settlement but insisted that Iran must act quickly.
“Iran still has an opportunity to reach an agreement,” Hegseth said, adding that the US administration prefers diplomacy but is equally prepared to use force when necessary.
The Defence Secretary praised CENTCOM’s recent operations, describing them as strategically significant and claiming they had reshaped the security landscape across the region. According to him, US military actions have strengthened the protection of maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, while placing additional pressure on Tehran.
Hegseth also asserted that Iran’s military capabilities have suffered major setbacks, claiming that many of its recent attacks were intercepted or failed to reach their intended targets due to the effectiveness of American air defence systems.
He confirmed that the latest strikes were carefully planned against selected objectives intended to weaken Iran’s operational capacity while enhancing the security environment for US forces and allied interests.
Addressing concerns over the crew of a US Apache helicopter reportedly brought down during recent hostilities, Hegseth said both pilots survived the incident and are in good condition. He commended their professionalism and the rescue teams involved, describing their actions as exceptional under challenging combat conditions.
Reiterating the administration’s stance, the Pentagon chief said military operations and diplomatic negotiations are being pursued simultaneously. He stated that Washington is prepared to negotiate from a position of strength but warned that continued resistance from Tehran would invite further military action.
Hegseth concluded by saying that the overnight operation was intended not only to achieve military objectives but also to reinforce the United States’ negotiating position, making it clear that future developments will depend on Iran’s willingness to accept terms proposed by the Trump administration.
