U.S. Ready To Resume Strikes If Iran Talks Fail, Hegseth Says

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Saturday that Washington is prepared to resume military strikes against Iran if ongoing negotiations fail to produce a lasting agreement, underscoring continued pressure on Tehran despite diplomatic efforts. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth said the United States retained overwhelming military capabilities and sufficient resources to conduct further operations if necessary. He added that Washington remained capable of addressing security challenges in multiple regions simultaneously, including the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East. Hegseth said U.S. President Donald Trump remained committed to securing what he described as a strong agreement that would prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. However, he warned that military options remained available if diplomacy failed. The remarks came as negotiators from Washington and Tehran continued efforts to resolve key disputes that have prevented a final agreement. Discussions have focused on extending the current ceasefire and establishing a framework for broader negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security issues. Trump said on Friday that he would convene a meeting in a secure room at the White House to make a “final decision” on a proposal that would extend the ceasefire for another 60 days and provide negotiators additional time to pursue a permanent settlement. He said the administration was reviewing the final terms before deciding whether to proceed. The United States and Iran have exchanged messages through regional mediators in recent weeks, while officials on both sides have indicated that significant differences remain over sanctions relief, uranium enrichment and long-term security guarantees. Iranian officials have yet to publicly confirm any final agreement. The latest diplomatic push follows months of conflict that heightened tensions across the Middle East and raised concerns about regional stability. The confrontation disrupted energy markets and contributed to volatility in global oil prices, particularly after concerns emerged over shipping routes in the Persian Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor for global energy supplies, has remained a central issue in negotiations. International observers have warned that any renewed military escalation could threaten commercial shipping and affect a significant share of global oil and gas trade. Regional governments, including Qatar and Pakistan, have intensified diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing a broader conflict and encouraging direct engagement between Washington and Tehran. Despite those efforts, officials on both sides continue to signal that major obstacles remain before a comprehensive agreement can be reached. The post U.S. Ready To Resume Strikes If Iran Talks Fail, Hegseth Says appeared first on Khaama Press.