US Ready to Resume Strikes on Iran If Nuclear Talks Collapse — Hegseth

The United States has said it is prepared to restart military strikes on Iran if ongoing diplomatic efforts fail to produce a nuclear agreement, raising fresh concerns over escalating tensions in the Middle East.

US Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, made the position known on Saturday while speaking as negotiations between Washington and Tehran continued in a bid to narrow long-standing disagreements over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Hegseth, who addressed security leaders at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, said the US military retained both the capability and readiness to carry out renewed operations if talks break down.

“Our stockpiles are more than suited for that, both there and around the globe, so we’re in a very good place,” he said, signalling Washington’s preparedness for a possible escalation.

The annual forum, which brings together defence chiefs, military officials and diplomats from across Asia and beyond, also provided a platform for the US to reaffirm its strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Hegseth insisted that Washington remained fully engaged globally despite its involvement in tensions with Iran, stressing that the US was capable of managing multiple security commitments simultaneously.

“We can do two things at one time. We’re super-charging our defence industrial base so that we’re building two times, three times, four times the munitions very soon to ensure that all of our plans are properly funded throughout the world,” he said.

His remarks come as US and Iranian negotiators continue efforts to bridge gaps that have so far prevented a breakthrough in talks aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Hegseth also praised former US President Donald Trump, describing him as patient and committed to securing a diplomatic deal that would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

According to him, the administration was working on a proposal that could extend an earlier temporary truce and allow more time for negotiations toward a lasting settlement.

Diplomatic sources say discussions have included options to prolong a ceasefire arrangement reached earlier in April, giving both sides additional time to work toward a comprehensive agreement.

The renewed warnings from Washington come amid lingering tensions following months of hostilities involving the US and Israel, which have reportedly led to significant casualties in Iran and Lebanon and disrupted global energy markets through heightened risks around the Strait of Hormuz.

The developments have further raised concerns among international observers about the possibility of a wider regional conflict if diplomatic efforts fail.