Pentagon says ready for Iran strikes unseen since WW2 as talks begin August 3
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said American forces remain prepared for strikes on Iran at a level 'unseen since World War II,' with weapons loaded and ready. His statement came as President Donald Trump announced that negotiations between the United States and Iran on a peace deal are set to begin August 3, with Washington canceling a planned powerful strike.
Pentagon Readiness
Hegseth wrote on X that the Defense Department 'was ready and remains ready' for strikes at a scale unseen since World War II, adding that weapons are 'loaded and ready.' The statement underscores continued U.S. military pressure on Tehran even as diplomatic channels appear to be opening.
Trump’s Announcement
Trump said on Truth Social that the U.S. and Iran will transition to peace deal negotiations on August 3, after he agreed to cancel a planned massive strike. He noted that Iran and several Middle Eastern nations asked Washington to refrain from an attack, having already outlined the framework of a future agreement.
Proposed Deal Terms
The proposed deal includes the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical oil transit route — and the elimination of Iran’s nuclear threat, according to Trump. These conditions represent key U.S. demands in long-stalled negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and regional stability.
What's Next
The negotiations are set to begin on August 3, but it remains unclear whether Iran will agree to verifiable nuclear dismantlement or if the Pentagon's alert posture will hinder diplomatic progress.
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Pentagon says ready for Iran strikes unseen since WW2 as talks begin August 3
