New regime shifts Iran’s stance: Hegseth​

Washington, April 8 (IANS) The United States said a shift in Iran’s leadership has altered its negotiating posture, with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth asserting that a “new regime” in Tehran has been forced to rethink its approach after sustained US military pressure.​

“This new regime… has a new calculus about what it means to negotiate with us,” Hegseth said, linking the change to the scale of destruction inflicted during Operation Epic Fury.​

He described the current leadership as emerging in the aftermath of heavy losses among Iran’s top military and political ranks.​

“You heard the list that I read… " It’s a new group of people who’ve seen the full capability of the United States military,” Hegseth said.​

US officials argued that this leadership 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,” he said.​

The Pentagon briefing outlined the extent of leadership disruption, with senior Iranian figures across military, intelligence, and defence structures said to have been 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 said.​

The US framed the shift not as a formal political transition but as a consequence of battlefield losses that have reshaped decision-making in Tehran.​

Officials said the change has directly influenced Iran’s willingness to accept conditions imposed by Washington, including restrictions on its nuclear programme and 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, the US signalled that the internal situation in Iran remains uncertain, particularly regarding public sentiment and long-term 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 made clear that regime change was not the stated objective of the US military campaign.​

“That was not our objective in this effort,” he said.​

Officials said US forces remain prepared to respond if Tehran attempts to regroup or resume hostile activities.