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The United States stands poised to resume military actions against Iran if ongoing negotiations fail to yield an agreement, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Saturday. This statement comes as representatives from Washington and Tehran strive to overcome significant obstacles hindering a potential deal.
“We are fully prepared to restart operations if necessary. Our capabilities are more than sufficient,” Hegseth remarked during a speech in Singapore.
He emphasized, “Our stockpiles are well-equipped for such operations, not only in the region but globally, so we are in an advantageous position.”
Addressing the audience at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a leading conference for defense officials, military personnel, and diplomats in Asia, Hegseth reassured that the U.S. remains committed to the Asia-Pacific region despite its involvement in tensions with Iran.
“We are capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously. We are significantly boosting our defense industrial base, aiming to produce two, three, or even four times the current output of munitions. This ensures that all our operational plans worldwide are adequately funded,” he stated.
The Pentagon chief said President Trump was “patient” and wants to make a “great deal” that ensures Iran does not get a nuclear weapon.
On Friday, Trump said he would meet in a secure White House room to make a “final determination” on a proposal to end the Iran war, which would extend an early-April truce for another 60 days, giving negotiators time to forge a permanent end to the conflict.
The war launched by the US and Israel on February 28 has killed thousands of people, mainly in Iran and Lebanon, and caused global economic pain by pushing up energy prices due to Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.