US could carry out further strikes on Iran if needed: Hegseth

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Monday that Washington is not ruling out further military strikes on Iran, even as the Trump administration intensifies economic pressure on Tehran.

Asked whether kinetic strikes were currently on pause, Hegseth said: “No. If we need to use kinetic strikes, we'll use them.”

“If Iran is foolish enough to overplay their hand or mess with the American military, we'll do what we need to do,” he told reporters after a speech to defense industrial workers in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where he urged US defense contractors to "pivot to a wartime footing."

Hegseth said economic pressure was currently hurting Iran the most but added that the US was “by no means” ruling out strikes “anywhere in the Strait of Hormuz or around Iran.”

He also claimed the US maintains control of the Strait of Hormuz, saying Washington’s blockade was “ironclad” and that Iran was unable to move oil through the waterway, while the US could protect shipping.

Hegseth said the administration expected Congress to provide the full $1.5 trillion sought for defense, even if approval came during a lame-duck session after November midterm elections but before the newly elected Congress takes office in January.

Asked whether munitions purchases could be cut if the full amount was not approved, he called them “pretty sacred,” saying the Pentagon had entered long-term agreements aimed at increasing supplies of some priority munitions two-, three- or fourfold.

Hegseth also declined to discuss reports that US stocks of ATACMS long-range missiles had been significantly depleted in ongoing conflicts, saying the military had “plenty” available.

- USS Abraham Lincoln heading home

Hegseth also confirmed that the USS Abraham Lincoln is returning home after an extended deployment.

“To the sailors and families of the Lincoln, I say godspeed on a historic mission. Congratulations, you're on your way home,” he said, describing the deployment as “tough” and longer than most.

The Lincoln has spent more than eight months without making a port call, setting a US Navy record. Families of sailors have reported worsening conditions and morale aboard the carrier, though Hegseth has said such claims have been “completely misrepresented.”