In a post on the X platform, Hegseth used the phrase "locked and loaded," which means "ready for action," commenting on a video of the US vice president. JD Vance during a press conference at the White House.

Vance stated that the US will not accept an agreement that would allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.

"As President Trump told me, we are ready to act. We don't want to go down that path, but the president is willing and able to do so, if necessary," Vance said.

These statements come at a time of high tensions between Washington and Tehran, while negotiations over the Iranian nuclear program remain uncertain.