Officials in Israel are acknowledging that some enriched uranium may have survived the powerful U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last month.

Hegseth also took a jab at the news media over ongoing coverage that contradicts the Trump administration's firm stance that the facilities were obliterated.

Experts long argued that airstrikes alone would not be capable of permanently ending Iran's nuclear program absent negotiations.

Snapback” sanctions will be triggered by the end of August if Tehran fails to make concrete progress to limit its nuclear program.

China has promised to help Iran stand up to "bullying" and to defend its rights and interests through talks, China's foreign minister told his Iranian counterpart, as Iran seeks to rally international support after Israeli and U.S. attacks on its nuclear program.

The United Kingdom, France and Germany have agreed to restore tough U.N. sanctions on Iran by the end of August if there has been no concrete progress on a nuclear deal, two European diplomats said Tuesday.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of a robust response to any military attacks, citing the nation's readiness to confront the U.S. and Israel. Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes,

What many have called a "fragile" ceasefire between Israel and Iran remains in place following nearly two weeks of missile strikes, which included the U.S. dropping "bunker-busting" bombs on Iran's three nuclear sites. But questions remain about how much damage the operation actually did.