Pete Hegseth, the US Secretary of Defense, has stated that the American military is fully prepared to resume operations against Iran if ongoing diplomatic efforts fail to produce an agreement.
Speaking on Friday at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, Hegseth said: “If necessary, we are fully capable of resuming operations.”
He stressed that the administration of President Donald Trump continues to prefer a diplomatic solution to tensions with Iran, but emphasized that military options remain available.
According to Hegseth, President Trump is seeking what he described as an “excellent agreement” that would prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
The defense secretary’s remarks come amid growing speculation about possible negotiations between Washington and Tehran and continued debate over the future of a potential agreement.
While US officials have repeatedly called for a deal that addresses concerns over Iran’s nuclear program, Iranian authorities maintain that their nuclear activities are intended solely for peaceful purposes and reject accusations that they are seeking nuclear weapons.
Recent diplomatic contacts and public statements from both sides have fueled expectations of renewed negotiations, although significant differences remain over key issues including sanctions, nuclear activities, and regional security.
Observers say the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining whether diplomacy succeeds or tensions once again move toward confrontation.
