Washington: The United States has said that a shift in Iran’s leadership has significantly altered its negotiating posture, with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth asserting that a “new regime” in Tehran has been compelled to rethink its approach following sustained US military pressure.
Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth linked the change to the scale of destruction caused during Operation Epic Fury, stating that the current leadership has emerged in the aftermath of heavy losses among Iran’s top military and political ranks.
“This new regime… has a new calculus about what it means to negotiate with us,” he said, adding that the leadership now comprises individuals who have directly witnessed the full capabilities of the US military.
US officials argued that this shift was a key factor behind Iran’s decision to accept a ceasefire and enter negotiations. “That’s why they came to the table… wanting a ceasefire and shooting to stop,” Hegseth said.
The briefing highlighted extensive disruption within Iran’s leadership, with senior figures across military, intelligence, and defence establishments reportedly eliminated or incapacitated during the campaign.
Hegseth said the new leadership now faces limited options. “This new regime is out of options and out of time… so they cut a deal,” he remarked.
The United States characterised the shift not as a formal political transition, but as the result of battlefield losses that have reshaped decision-making in Tehran. Officials said this had directly influenced Iran’s willingness to accept US-imposed conditions, including restrictions on its nuclear programme and the reopening of key shipping routes.
“They know this agreement means that they will never, ever possess a nuclear weapon,” Hegseth said.
At the same time, US officials acknowledged uncertainty over Iran’s internal situation, particularly public sentiment and the long-term direction of governance.
“I would love to see the Iranian people take advantage of this opportunity,” Hegseth said, adding that the population had been “oppressed by the previous regime.”
However, he clarified that regime change was not the objective of the US military campaign. “That was not our objective in this effort,” he said.
Officials also stated that US forces remain prepared to respond if Tehran attempts to regroup or resume hostile actions.
With IANS inputs