The US is prepared to resume attacks on Iran if a deal cannot be reached, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stating that the US is capable of recommencing strikes if necessary, amid ongoing negotiations.
The United States is ready to restart attacks on Iran if a deal cannot be reached, according to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who made the statement on Saturday. Negotiators from Washington and Tehran are working to bridge major differences blocking an agreement, and Hegseth's come as tensions between the two nations remain high. Speaking in Singapore, Hegseth the US is more than capable of recommencing strikes if necessary, with stockpiles suited for such an eventuality.
The Defence Secretary was speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a premier forum for defence leaders, militaries, and diplomats in Asia. Hegseth emphasized that the US has not turned its back on the Asia-Pacific region, despite being engaged in conflict with Iran. He the US is capable of handling multiple situations simultaneously, and is super-charging its defence industrial base to build more munitions and ensure that all operations plans are properly funded worldwide.
In a related development, the US Navy Central Command issued an urgent maritime advisory on Friday, warning ship owners, operators, and mariners about dangerous military operations underway in the Strait of Hormuz. The advisory, which rated the regional threat level as "CRITICAL", cited Iranian attempts to illegally control the strategic waterway through mining activities that endanger ships and crews. The US Navy has advised all mariners to avoid the Strait's Traffic Separation Scheme and instead coordinate their passage with US Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping.
The White House has also reiterated its stance on Iran, with a White House official stating that US President Donald Trump would only pursue an Iran nuclear agreement on American terms. The official Trump would only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his redlines, and that Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon. This comes amid US-Iran nuclear negotiations, with Washington maintaining that any agreement must meet strict conditions set by the president. Trump has outlined several elements that he says are included in the proposed deal, including an Iranian commitment to never obtain a nuclear weapon and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted commercial shipping.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether a deal can be reached between the US and Iran. The US has made it clear that it is prepared to take action if necessary, and the international community is watching the situation closely. The outcome of the negotiations will have significant implications for the region and the world, and it is likely that the situation will continue to be a major focus of attention in the coming days and weeks.
