United States (US) Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced that Washington is prepared to resume military strikes against Iran if ongoing negotiations fail to produce an agreement.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue defense summit in Singapore, Hegseth stated that the US military maintains the capacity to restart operations immediately.
“Our ability to recommence if necessary…we are more than capable. Our stockpiles are more than suited for that, both there and around the globe because of how we balance exquisite and more plentiful munitions,” Hegseth said.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reinforced the defense secretary’s stance, posting on the social media platform X that American forces “remain present and vigilant across the region”.
The Pentagon chief clarified that despite the ongoing conflict with Iran, the US has not diverted its strategic focus away from the Asia-Pacific region.
He added that Washington remains committed to its international security priorities, explicitly declaring, “we still have global obligations to ensure that, say, Iran doesn’t get a nuclear weapon”.
Hegseth noted that US President Donald Trump is “patient” regarding the negotiations but will only accept what he termed a “great deal” with Iran.
According to a White House official speaking after a Situation Room meeting, “President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his red lines”.
