CENTCOM commander confirms US is prepared to respond militarily if Iran nuclear talks fail

Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, head of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), confirmed to Congress on Tuesday that the U.S. is prepared to respond with military force if ongoing Iran nuclear talks do not go as planned. 

President Donald Trump has pushed Iran to permanently give up its work toward developing a nuclear weapon as it continues enriching its uranium. But Trump on Monday said the two countries, which have engaged in five rounds of nuclear talks so far, are still far from reaching the deal. 

House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers asked Kurilla whether the U.S. military is prepared to respond "with overwhelming force to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran" if directed to do so by the president.

“I have provided the secretary of defense and the president a wide range of options,” Kurilla responded. 

When Rogers said the response sounded like a "yes," Kurilla responded in the affirmative. 

The United States has offered a deal to Iran after the fifth round, but Iran has not countered the deal so far, though its proposal is expected in the coming days, per The Hill. 

A sixth round of negotiations is expected to take place either Friday or Sunday in Oman or Norway. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.