'We're watching you': Hegseth warns Iran as U.S. boosts military presence

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, on Thursday, warned Iran's leaders that the Pentagon is closely watching Iran's military activity. Hegseth pointed out the major difference between the two militaries, saying the U.S. remains strong while Iran can no longer rebuild its forces, either for attack or defense. Even though officials from both countries met in Pakistan to try to end the conflict, relations remain tense.

"We're watching you. Our capabilities are not the same, our military and yours. Remember, this is not a fair fight, and we know what military assets you are moving and where you are moving them to," Hegseth said at a press briefing. He added that although Iran can move its military equipment, it cannot restore what it lost during the war.

This was not Hegseth's only warning to Iran's leaders. He also said the United States is "reloading with more power than ever before" and is still watching Iran's energy sector. "We are locked and loaded on your critical dual-use infrastructure, on your remaining power generation, and on your energy industry," Hegseth said. "We'd rather not have to do it, but we're ready to go at the command of our President and at the push of a button."

After the U.S. and Iran could not reach an agreement at their recent meeting, the U.S. decided to blockade the Strait of Hormuz to control shipping in and out of Iranian ports. Hegseth said Iranian energy exports have stopped and that the U.S. could keep up the blockade as long as needed. He also encouraged Iran's leaders to accept a deal that is available to them "for the betterment of your people and for the betterment of the world." Addressing the troops, Hegseth urged them to "block out the noise" and "stay focused." As per a Washington Post report, there are currently around 50,000 U.S. troops ready to counter Iran.

The Pentagon is sending thousands more troops to the region, including about 6,000 on the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier and its escort ships. Another 4,200 troops with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are expected to arrive soon, aiming to pressure Iran into agreeing to a deal. With the arrival of new troops, U.S. commanders will have three aircraft carriers in the region, each carrying several fighter jets: the USS George H.W. Bush, the USS Abraham Lincoln, and the USS Gerald R. Ford. The USS George H.W. Bush is sailing around Africa to reach the area, while the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit left Hawaii and are expected to arrive in a few weeks.