US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the United States remains prepared to restart military strikes on Iran if ongoing diplomatic efforts fail to produce a deal. He stressed that Washington retains full operational capability and strong stockpiles, while negotiators continue working to resolve major disagreements with Tehran.
Speaking at a defence forum in Singapore, Hegseth stated that the US military is fully equipped to resume operations if required. He added that American forces maintain sufficient global readiness and resources, ensuring they can respond quickly to any escalation in the Middle East conflict.
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Meanwhile, he confirmed that President Donald Trump is pursuing a negotiated settlement with Iran but remains willing to consider military options if diplomacy collapses. Hegseth said the administration aims for a “great deal” that guarantees Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons while maintaining regional stability.
At the same time, US officials continue discussions with Iranian counterparts to extend a fragile truce and prevent further escalation. However, tensions remain high as both sides disagree on core issues, including sanctions relief, security guarantees, and control over strategic maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
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Additionally, Hegseth addressed broader regional security concerns, urging Asian allies to increase defence spending amid growing geopolitical tensions. He warned about China’s expanding military capabilities and called for stronger burden-sharing among US partners to maintain balance and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Finally, he reiterated that key decisions on future military action, including any potential arms-related moves involving Taiwan, would ultimately rest with President Trump. He emphasized that US-China communication channels remain open, but insisted that Washington will continue prioritizing strength, readiness, and strategic flexibility.