By Abu Dalisu l May 30, 2026
The United States has warned that it is prepared to resume military strikes against Iran if ongoing diplomatic efforts fail to produce an agreement preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered the warning on Saturday during the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, where he emphasized that Washington remains fully capable of launching additional operations if negotiations with Iran break down.
“Our ability to recommence if necessary... we are more than capable,” Hegseth said, adding that American military stockpiles and operational readiness remain sufficient to support future actions if required.
The remarks come as negotiators from Washington and Tehran continue efforts to bridge major differences blocking a broader agreement on Iran’s nuclear program. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a proposal that would extend an existing truce between the two countries for another 60 days while talks continue.
Hegseth stressed that President Trump remains committed to securing what he described as a “great deal” that would ensure Iran never develops a nuclear weapon. According to the Pentagon chief, diplomacy remains Washington’s preferred option, but military measures remain available if negotiations fail.
The warning follows months of heightened tensions in the Middle East after a conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran erupted earlier this year. The war resulted in significant casualties across the region and triggered economic disruptions, particularly in global energy markets due to threats to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical maritime trade routes, became a focal point of the conflict as military activity and security threats disrupted commercial shipping and raised fears of broader regional instability.
Speaking to defense officials and diplomats from around the world, Hegseth also rejected suggestions that the United States had become distracted from the Asia-Pacific region because of the Iran conflict.
“We can do two things at one time,” he said, noting that Washington is expanding its defense industrial base and increasing weapons production to support military commitments across multiple regions.
Beyond Iran, Hegseth used the summit to issue a broader warning about China's growing military power. He said there was “rightful alarm” across Asia regarding Beijing’s rapid military buildup and increasing regional activities.
The Pentagon chief argued that the United States seeks a stable balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region where no country can dominate its neighbors or threaten the security of American allies. He urged Asian partners to increase defense spending and take greater responsibility for their own security.
“The era of the United States subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations is over,” Hegseth said, echoing a longstanding position of the Trump administration that allies should contribute more to collective defense efforts.
He praised countries including Japan, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines for strengthening defense cooperation with Washington, while stressing that stronger alliances are essential to maintaining regional stability.
Analysts say Hegseth’s comments underscore the dual challenges facing the United States as it seeks to manage tensions with both Iran in the Middle East and China in the Indo-Pacific region.
While diplomatic negotiations with Tehran continue, the Pentagon’s latest warning highlights the possibility that military confrontation could resume if a lasting agreement is not reached. For now, international attention remains focused on whether ongoing talks can prevent another escalation in a region already strained by months of conflict and geopolitical uncertainty.