Singapore, Singapore. The United States is ready to restart attacks on Iran if a deal cannot be reached, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Saturday as negotiators from Washington and Tehran worked to bridge major differences blocking an agreement.
Military readiness
Speaking in Singapore, Hegseth said the United States is “more than capable” of recommencing attacks if necessary and said its stockpiles are sufficient both in the region and globally. He made the remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue, the Asia-Pacific forum for defence leaders, militaries and diplomats.
Hegseth said the United States has not turned its back on the Asia-Pacific region despite being engaged in conflict with Iran. He said the country can handle more than one issue at a time and is increasing defence production to support operations worldwide.
Trump’s position on talks
Hegseth said President Donald Trump was “patient” and wants to secure a “great deal” that ensures Iran does not obtain 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. The proposal would extend an early-April truce for another 60 days, giving negotiators time to work toward a permanent end to the conflict.
Impact of the war
The war launched by the United States and Israel on February 28 has killed thousands of people, mainly in Iran and Lebanon, and has caused global economic pain by pushing up energy prices after Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.