The United States has signaled that it is prepared to resume military operations against Iran if ongoing negotiations fail to produce an acceptable agreement, as uncertainty continues to surround efforts aimed at ending months of confrontation between the two countries.
Speaking at a defense conference in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington possesses sufficient military capabilities and weapons stockpiles to restart military action if necessary.
He emphasized that the United States remains committed to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and maintaining regional security.
Hegseth noted that any agreement reached through current negotiations would be viewed positively by Washington, but stressed that the US remains fully prepared should diplomacy fail.
His remarks followed statements by US President Donald Trump indicating that any final settlement must meet key American conditions, including guarantees that Iran will never possess a nuclear weapon, dw.com reports.
Despite reports suggesting progress toward a potential understanding, Iranian officials have denied that a final agreement has been reached.
The future of Iran’s nuclear program remains one of the most contentious issues in the negotiations, with both sides continuing to differ on key provisions and implementation mechanisms.
However, according to agencies, Iran signaled continued skepticism toward US diplomatic efforts on Friday, with senior negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stating that Tehran would trust only concrete actions rather than American promises.
His remarks came after Vance said significant progress had been made toward a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran, although several issues remain under discussion. Trump has yet to publicly endorse any agreement, despite reports suggesting a deal may only require his final approval.
Ghalibaf stressed that Iran’s negotiating position was strengthened by its military capabilities rather than diplomacy alone, referring to missile strikes carried out against US bases and allies after the conflict erupted on February 28.
Iranian officials have also denied that a final agreement has been reached and indicated that any arrangement announced unilaterally by Washington would not be recognized.
