US Defense Secretary: Iran Conflict Enters Decisive Phase, Prepared to Resume Attacks

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has declared that the Middle East conflict involving Iran is entering a decisive phase. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference, Hegseth warned that the United States is prepared to resume attacks against Iran if diplomatic efforts to resolve ongoing disputes fail. He also noted that the U.S. is aware of and actively confronting efforts by Russia and China to support Iran. Hegseth highlighted that major desertions are occurring within the Iranian armed forces, suggesting a decline in morale. The U.S. maintains it knows the extent of foreign involvement and will address it as necessary.