Hyderabad, April 24 -- The United States (US) stepped up pressure on Iran on Friday, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth saying Tehran had a limited opportunity to reach an agreement and that the next move rested with the Iranian leadership.

Speaking at the Pentagon, Hegseth said Iran had a "historic opportunity" to make a serious deal before time runs out.

"The ball is in Iran's court," he said, adding that any agreement would require Tehran to abandon nuclear weapons ambitions in a meaningful and verifiable manner.

He also said Washington was not rushing negotiations and remained prepared to continue pressure on Tehran.

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