War Department Secretary Pete Hegseth said Sunday that the United States is already taking undisclosed actions to help ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz as the Trump administration moves toward a potential agreement with Iran.

“We are already doing things I can’t talk about on this program,” Hegseth said during an appearance on CBS’ “Face the Nation,”when asked how quickly the U.S. and its partners could clear threats to commercial shipping in the strategic waterway.

Hegseth’s comments came as the Trump administration anticipated the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Iran that would begin a new round of negotiations aimed at permanently dismantling Tehran’s nuclear program.

The secretary said the administration remains on track for an agreement despite fresh Israeli strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon over the weekend.

“From all I know, we are on track,” Hegseth said. “It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.”

He said Iran must rein in Hezbollah rocket attacks against Israel if it wants the broader agreement to succeed.

Hegseth repeatedly emphasized that any agreement would be “performance-based” and said Iran would not receive sanctions relief or other benefits until it fulfills its commitments.

“The president’s been most clear about is that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon, never. Full stop,” he said.

The secretary also said the U.S. military would maintain whatever force posture is necessary during the expected 60-day negotiating period.

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Tagged: Middle East BACK TO HOMEPAGE