According to a report by The Times Of Israel on March 19, 2026, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described Israel’s strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field yesterday as “a warning,” urging Tehran to halt its retaliatory attacks on energy facilities across the Gulf.
“Iran has weaponized energy for decades. Israel clearly sent a warning, and [Trump] has made it clear, very clear. Iran knows when you hit Kharg Island and you hit military capabilities on Karg Island — which is the only thing we hit — we can hold anything at issue,” Hegseth said.
The United States carried out a strike on Tehran’s oil export hub on Kharg Island over the past weekend. Hegseth emphasized the US’s control over the situation and advised Iran to make careful decisions. “The United States military controls the fate of that country.
Iran has the ability to make the right choices. It should not, going forward, target Arab allies, Arab countries, trying to create pain,” he stated.
Alongside Hegseth, US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine affirmed that Washington remains “aggressive and assertive” in its efforts to reduce Iran’s missile capabilities, especially as the country continues attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure. See More In Details…