WASHINGTON

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday there are "plenty of indications" that Iran is moving toward developing a nuclear weapon.

"There are plenty of indications that they have been moving their way towards something that would look a lot like a nuclear weapon," Hegseth said at a hearing when asked by Sen. Lindsey Graham whether Iran is trying to build a nuclear weapon versus a peaceful nuclear power program.

His remarks came during his testimony before the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee along with Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

"As to Iran, they say they want to kill all the Jews. Do you agree with them?" said Graham.

"I believe they mean what they chant. Yes Senator," Hegseth said.

Graham asked the same question to Caine.

"Sir, I think they've got some agendas for sure," Caine said.

Graham interrupted: "Is that agenda to use a nuclear weapon against Israel?"

"Sir, I think they would, potentially," Caine said.

"If they had a nuclear weapon, would they use it against Israel in your professional military judgment?" Graham said.

"I think they'd use it to pressure Israel. I don't know whether they would use it," Caine replied.

Graham later asked Hegseth about his opinion on whether Iran would use nuclear weapon "to wipe out Israel"

"I think Israel believes quite...," Hegseth started to reply, but was interrupted by Graham, who repeatedly asked him: "Do you believe that?"

"So I'm trying to get everybody to think...They're going to use a nuclear weapon if they get it," Graham said.

A US defense official said Wednesday that Hegseth has authorized the voluntary departure of military dependents from locations across the Middle East.

"The safety and security of our service members and their families remains our highest priority, and US and Central Command (CENTCOM) are monitoring the developing tension in the Middle East," the official told Anadolu.

The US is also evacuating diplomatic staff from its embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, a State Department official confirmed Wednesday.

Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh threatened to target US bases in the region if a conflict breaks out between the two countries over Tehran’s nuclear program.

His threat came a day after Gen. Michael Kurilla, commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), testified before Congress, saying he presented a “range of options” to Trump to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

In response to a question from House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers about whether CENTCOM is prepared to use force if Iran continues its nuclear activities, Kurilla said yes.

Amid the volatility, Kurilla's Thursday appearance before the Senate Armed Services Committee was postponed.

Tensions between Tehran and Washington remain high despite ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations mediated by Oman. The main sticking point remains Iran’s uranium enrichment program.

While the US demands a complete halt to enrichment, Iranian negotiators insist the program is non-negotiable and will continue with or without a deal.

The sixth round of nuclear talks is scheduled to take place Sunday in Muscat.