Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Sunday on a broadcast interview that the U.S.-Iran deal remains on track for signing in Switzerland despite fresh violence in Beirut.
Hegseth told CBS News that military logistics teams prepared document exchanges and communication hotlines between formerly opposing command centers.
He declined to detail troop withdrawal timetables but said force protection remains paramount for Americans stationed regionally.
Democratic senators challenged his optimism, citing contradictory statements from Iranian hard-liners.
Hegseth emphasized that lifting the naval blockade proceeds only alongside verified ceasefire compliance.
Pentagon press officers scheduled a background briefing for reporters covering the Geneva ceremony later in the week.
Hegseth said communications channels with Iranian counterparts remained open through Omani intermediaries despite Beirut violence.
Veterans groups asked whether troop withdrawals would include Syria garrisons or focus solely on Gulf naval assets.
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Sources:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pete-hegseth-defense-secretary-face-the-nation-transcript-06-14-2026/