The United States is prepared to resume military strikes against Iran if ongoing negotiations fail to produce a new agreement, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Saturday during remarks delivered at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore.
Hegseth’s comments come as Washington and Tehran continue high-stakes negotiations aimed at preventing a renewed escalation in the Middle East following months of conflict, ceasefire negotiations, and tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
“Our ability to recommence if necessary… we are more than capable,” Hegseth said, emphasizing that the United States maintains sufficient military stockpiles and operational readiness across the region and globally.
The Pentagon chief added that President Donald Trump remains focused on securing what he described as a “great deal” that would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons while stabilizing regional security.
U.S.-Iran Talks Continue Amid Fragile Ceasefire
The latest warning from Washington comes as negotiators from the United States and Iran attempt to bridge major disagreements that continue to block a long-term agreement. Reports indicate that the White House is considering extending the current truce arrangement for another 60 days to allow diplomacy to continue.
Trump reportedly held meetings with senior national security officials at the White House this week to evaluate proposals linked to a broader peace framework involving Iran’s nuclear activities, sanctions relief, and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global shipping route through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes. The waterway became a central flashpoint after Iran restricted access following the outbreak of conflict earlier this year.
Rising Tensions After Months of Conflict
The current diplomatic efforts follow months of military confrontation between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Fighting intensified after coordinated strikes against Iranian targets earlier this year triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Tehran and disruptions to international shipping routes.
Although a temporary ceasefire was later reached, tensions have remained high, with both sides accusing each other of violating agreements and escalating military pressure.
Hegseth stressed that the United States is capable of handling multiple security challenges simultaneously, including growing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region.
“We can do two things at one time,” he said while addressing concerns that military operations involving Iran could affect U.S. readiness elsewhere.
Pentagon Highlights Defense Production Expansion
During his remarks, Hegseth also pointed to efforts by the United States to rapidly expand defense manufacturing and replenish military stockpiles after months of intensive regional operations.
According to the Pentagon chief, the U.S. is significantly increasing munitions production to ensure sustained operational capability across global theaters.
The comments were also aimed at reassuring allies in Asia and the Middle East that Washington remains committed to maintaining military readiness despite multiple international crises.
Iran Yet to Publicly Respond
Iranian officials had not issued a formal response to Hegseth’s latest warning at the time of publication. However, Iranian representatives and advisers have previously accused Washington of using diplomacy as a cover for continued military pressure and excessive demands during negotiations.
Analysts say the coming days could prove critical for determining whether negotiations move toward a broader settlement or whether the region risks sliding back into direct military confrontation.
Global markets are also closely monitoring developments, particularly because renewed fighting could once again threaten energy supplies and disrupt shipping through the Gulf region.
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