Pete Hegseth Says US “Holds the Cards” After Israel Strikes Iranian Gas Facility Without Warning [WATCH]

War Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday that the United States still “holds the cards” in the ongoing conflict involving Iran after Israel carried out a strike on a major Iranian energy facility without prior U.S. knowledge, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The strike targeted the South Pars gas field, a natural gas site shared between Iran and Qatar.

According to earlier statements, President Trump confirmed that Israel had “violently lashed out at a major facility known as South Pars Gas Field in Iran,” and emphasized that the United States “knew nothing about this particular attack.”

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Following the strike, Iran launched retaliatory attacks on Qatar’s liquefied natural gas facility at Ras Laffan Industrial City. The escalation had an immediate impact on global energy markets, with oil prices rising above $110 on Wednesday.

The latest incident marks the second time this month that Israel has taken unilateral military action that appeared to diverge from U.S. strategic preferences.

Earlier in the month, Israeli forces struck Iranian oil depots, drawing concern from U.S. officials. At the time, a Trump advisor told Axios:

“The president doesn’t like the attack. He wants to save the oil. He doesn’t want to burn it. And it reminds people of higher gas prices.”

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Hegseth had previously addressed that earlier operation, stating that Israel was pursuing “different objectives.” He added at the time, “We’re not getting pulled in any direction. We’re leading.”

In remarks following the South Pars strike, Hegseth reiterated that the United States remains in control of the broader strategic picture, despite actions taken independently by allies.

“We hold the cards. We have objectives. Those objectives are clear. We have allies pursuing objectives as well, and the truth speaks for itself.”

He described Israel’s latest strike as a “warning.”

He continued, “And POTUS has made it clear, very clear, Iran knows when you hit Kharg Island, and you hit military capabilities on Kharg Island, which is the only thing we hit, we can hold anything at issue, anything.”

During a press exchange, questions were raised about whether Israel’s independent actions could complicate U.S. policy, particularly as energy prices climb and the administration has signaled reluctance to target Iranian oil infrastructure.

Conradson asked, “With this strike yesterday on the South Pars gas field, you know, if the US didn’t know about it or didn’t approve of it, it kind of seems like a trend of Israel apparently pursuing their own objectives over US objectives. I’m not sure if you agree with that, but the President has said he doesn’t want to hit Iran’s oil infrastructure right now. As you said, the US avoided this on Kharg Island. Oil is nearing $120. Why are we helping Israel prosecute this war if they’re going to pursue their own objectives?”

Hegseth responded, “We hold the cards. We have objectives. Those objectives are clear. We have allies pursuing objectives as well, and the truth speaks for itself. I mean, President Trump is very clear about that. Iran has weaponized energy for decades. Israel clearly sent a warning, and POTUS has made it clear, very clear, Iran knows when you hit Kharg Island, and you hit military capabilities on Kharg Island, which is the only thing we hit, we can hold anything at issue, anything.”

He added, “The United States military controls the fate of that country. Iran has the ability to make the right choices. It should not, going forward, target Arab allies, Arab countries trying to create pain, the pain that they created themselves.”

The situation remains fluid as tensions continue to rise across the region, with global energy markets reacting to each new development.

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