Hegseth, heading to Situation Room, says Trump still aiming for nuclear deal

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrives for a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, that coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. (AP/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrives for a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, that coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. (AP/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth tells Fox News that US President Donald Trump is still aiming for a nuclear deal with Iran even as hostilities have escalated between Israel and Tehran.

“Of course,” Hegseth says on Fox News’ “Jesse Watters Primetime” show when asked if Trump is still aiming for a nuclear deal with Iran.

“We are postured defensively in the region to be strong in pursuit of a peace deal. And we certainly hope that’s what happens here,” Hegseth says.

Hegseth says he is heading to the White House Situation Room to meet with Trump and his national security team amid tensions in the Middle East as the US president returns early from the G7 summit.

The US has repositioned both warships and military aircraft in the region to respond if the conflict between Israel and Iran further escalates.

Hegseth doesn’t provide details on what prompted the meeting, but says on Fox News that the movements are to “ensure that our people are safe.”

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