Pentagon warns Iran as ceasefire deadlines near

The Pentagon has urged Iran to negotiate a permanent deal with the U.S. as temporary ceasefires involving Iran, Israel, and Lebanon unfold amid military tensions.

The Pentagon has urged Iran to negotiate a permanent deal with the U.S. as temporary ceasefires involving Iran, Israel, and Lebanon unfold amid military tensions.

President Donald Trump said in an interview with Fox Business this morning he believes the war is very close to over despite the administration's continuing blockade and increasing economic pressure. The US military continues to enforce *** naval blockade on Iran. In ports in the Strait of Hormuz while upping economic pressure on Iran with sanctions targeting the country and any other nation with ties to Iranian assets and money, the administration says it will be as serious as its military efforts, *** very stern measure. And the Iranians should know that this is going to be the financial equivalent of what we saw in the kinetic activities. Despite that, the White House says it's optimistic about the prospects of *** deal as the US reportedly spoke with Iran about *** second round of ceasefire. negotiations. Though nothing has been formally scheduled yet, but time is running thin. The current ceasefire is expected to end in less than *** week, and White House Press secretary Caroline Levitt says the US hasn't formally made *** request for *** ceasefire extension. While Americans continue to feel pain at the pump, the White House says it will be worth long-term national and international security. This is *** short term disruption for the long-term strategic goal of the United States to ensure that the world's leading state sponsor of terror cannot obtain *** nuclear weapon. Three main sticking points remain in these negotiations, including uranium enrichment, the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation to Iran for wartime damages. Reporting at the White House, I'm Amy Liu.

Updated: 6:19 PM EDT Apr 16, 2026

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Pentagon warns Iran as ceasefire deadlines near

The Pentagon has urged Iran to negotiate a permanent deal with the U.S. as temporary ceasefires involving Iran, Israel, and Lebanon unfold amid military tensions.

Updated: 6:19 PM EDT Apr 16, 2026

Editorial Standards ⓘ

The Pentagon is warning Iran to negotiate a permanent deal with the U.S. as the second week of a temporary ceasefire between the two nations continues. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a warning during a Pentagon briefing earlier today, saying, "We're watching you. Our capabilities are not the same, our military and yours. Remember, this is not a fair fight. And we know what military assets you are moving and where you are moving them to." The briefing also provided updates on the naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. leaders reported that 14 vessels have been turned around in the past 72 hours, with more than 10,000 American troops enforcing the blockade. President Donald Trump announced a separate temporary ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon this afternoon, addressing one of Iran’s key demands for broader negotiations. Leaders from both sides have agreed to a 10-day halt in fighting, and President Trump has invited representatives from both groups to the White House to continue diplomatic talks. The ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is set to expire next week, and no second round of peace talks has been scheduled. Pakistan’s army chief met with Iranian officials on Thursday in an effort to extend the ceasefire, as questions over Iran’s uranium enrichment program persist. Iran maintains that its enrichment activities are for peaceful purposes. Trump commented on the ongoing negotiations, saying, "If Iran wants to make a deal. And we're dealing very nicely with them. We've got to have no nuclear weapons. If we do, that's a big factor. And they're willing to do things today that they weren't willing to do two months ago."Watch the latest coverage on the war in Iran:

WASHINGTON —

The Pentagon is warning Iran to negotiate a permanent deal with the U.S. as the second week of a temporary ceasefire between the two nations continues.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a warning during a Pentagon briefing earlier today, saying, "We're watching you. Our capabilities are not the same, our military and yours. Remember, this is not a fair fight. And we know what military assets you are moving and where you are moving them to."

The briefing also provided updates on the naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. leaders reported that 14 vessels have been turned around in the past 72 hours, with more than 10,000 American troops enforcing the blockade.

President Donald Trump announced a separate temporary ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon this afternoon, addressing one of Iran’s key demands for broader negotiations. Leaders from both sides have agreed to a 10-day halt in fighting, and President Trump has invited representatives from both groups to the White House to continue diplomatic talks.

The ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is set to expire next week, and no second round of peace talks has been scheduled. Pakistan’s army chief met with Iranian officials on Thursday in an effort to extend the ceasefire, as questions over Iran’s uranium enrichment program persist. Iran maintains that its enrichment activities are for peaceful purposes.

Trump commented on the ongoing negotiations, saying, "If Iran wants to make a deal. And we're dealing very nicely with them. We've got to have no nuclear weapons. If we do, that's a big factor. And they're willing to do things today that they weren't willing to do two months ago."

Watch the latest coverage on the war in Iran:

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Pentagon warns Iran as ceasefire deadlines near

The Pentagon has urged Iran to negotiate a permanent deal with the U.S. as temporary ceasefires involving Iran, Israel, and Lebanon unfold amid military tensions.

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