Pentagon chief sends clear message to Iran

US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel says that US arms deliveries to Middle Eastern nations are a clear message to Iran that the United States is ready to settle the nuclear crisis with the help of force.

The defense secretary said, however, that a military operation would be the last step and that the United States prefers a peaceful way out of the crisis.

Hagel also said that the United States is doing its best to secure Israel's military superiority in the region.