Hegseth Says Pentagon’s Job Now Is to Pressure Iran Into Talks

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, right, during a news conference at the Pentagon on March 31.Photographer: Oliver Contreras/AFP/Getty Images

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said diplomatic talks to end the conflict with Iran are “gaining strength” and the US military’s job is to maintain military pressure and compel Tehran to make a deal.

Hegseth’s comments come as the war enters its second month with Iranian threats of retaliation keeping the vital Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, sending energy prices soaring and ramping up pressure on the White House to find diplomatic off-ramps.