Pentagon ‘prepared to execute’ Trump’s decisions on war, peace: US defense chief

‘If I had or I had not, I wouldn't disclose that in this forum,’ Hegseth says when asked about strike options on Iran

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The Pentagon is “prepared to execute” US President Donald Trump’s decisions on peace and war, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday amid rising tension between Israel and Iran.

“Senator, as I've said, there's only one person … the American people elected him to make these decisions on their behalf, and if and when those decisions are made, the department is prepared to execute,” Hegseth told senators.

Hegseth, along with Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, and facing several questions, including strike options preparations against Iran.

“It's your job to have contingency plans for everything that the president may or may not decide, is that correct?” Sen. Tom Cotton asked.

“That is correct,” said Hegseth. “Senator, our job is to have contingency plans,” he added.

When Jeanne Shaheen asked about whether he is considering military action that would bring the US into active hostilities, Hegseth declined to comment.

“Mr. Secretary, but my question for you is whether you have been asked actively to provide options for the president regarding a strike in the Middle East?” Shaheen asked.

“If I had or I had not, I wouldn't disclose that in this forum,” Hegseth replied.

Kaynak:

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