The Pentagon and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed Monday that the United States has no immediate plans to launch a strike against Iran, even as President Donald Trump prepares to convene an emergency National Security Council (NSC) meeting at the White House.
This development comes amid heightened tensions following a series of military exchanges between Israel and Iran. The U.S. has repositioned warships and aircraft in the region to bolster its defensive posture and respond if the conflict worsens.
“The posture of American forces remains defensive and unchanged,” Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. “We will protect American troops and defend our interests.”
The conflict escalated dramatically last week when Israel launched a series of strikes on Iran, marking the most intense flare-up in their long-standing hostilities. Israel’s air campaign has targeted Iran’s military and intelligence infrastructure, including nuclear sites and personnel. Iranian officials report that more than 224 people have been killed in the strikes since Friday. In response, Iran launched retaliatory attacks that have killed 24 people in Israel and left at least 500 others injured.
In an interview with Fox News, Secretary Hegseth reiterated that the U.S. seeks to avoid further escalation and is focused on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. “We believe that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon. That position hasn’t changed,” Hegseth told host Jesse Watters. “We’re strong, we’re prepared, we’re defensive. President Trump hopes there can be peace.”
President Trump has been working toward negotiating a new nuclear deal with Tehran since returning to office in January. He previously withdrew the United States from the 2015 nuclear accord brokered by the Obama administration during his first term.
Meanwhile, Trump issued a stark warning to Iranian civilians, urging them to “immediately” evacuate the capital city of Tehran. His comments follow a report from Vanguard that more than 330,000 residents have already fled the city amid fears of further Israeli airstrikes. The same report noted a 4% drop in global oil prices as markets react to the instability.
“Iran should have signed the deal I told them to sign,” Trump wrote on social media. “What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”
The President was originally scheduled to remain at the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada through its conclusion but is cutting his trip short to address the unfolding crisis. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump will depart Monday night after a working dinner with fellow world leaders.
“President Trump had a great day at the G7, even signing a major trade deal with the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Keir Starmer,” Leavitt said. “Much was accomplished, but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight.”
Speaking to reporters before his departure, Trump said, “I have to be back it’s very important. I wish I could stay until tomorrow, but they understand. This is big stuff.”
The National Security Council is expected to discuss possible responses and strategic options amid fears of a broader regional war.
