US Warns Iran of Stronger Strikes Over Shipping Attacks; Trump Rejects Talks Without Progress

WASHINGTON, July 21: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran that the United States would respond with strikes "10 times harder" if Tehran continued targeting commercial shipping, saying American forces were intensifying operations to degrade Iran's military capabilities each night.

Hegseth said Iran had been given repeated opportunities to negotiate over security in the Strait of Hormuz but warned that attacks on commercial vessels would trigger a much stronger military response. He added that President Donald Trump had "all the options necessary," urging Tehran to either return to meaningful negotiations or face further action by the US military.

Separately, President Trump said the United States was not interested in holding talks with Iran unless they produced meaningful results. He described Iran as "desperate" to meet but insisted Washington would not engage until Tehran was prepared for serious negotiations.

Trump also reiterated that the US would not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon, declaring that Tehran had "no chance" of obtaining one.