The United States has warned that it is fully prepared to resume military action against Iran if required, as President Donald Trump insists that any potential peace agreement must strictly prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue defence summit in Singapore, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth stated that Washington remains “more than capable” of restarting military operations, citing strong global stockpiles and strategic readiness.
Hegseth’s remarks came as the White House signalled that Trump is close to making a decision on an initial peace framework after weeks of uncertain negotiations. However, Iran denied that any final agreement had been reached regarding an end to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Trump reportedly spent more than two hours in the White House Situation Room with senior officials but did not announce any final decision.
The diplomatic process has faced fresh uncertainty following recent US strikes on Iran’s southern port of Bandar Abbas, which triggered retaliatory action from Tehran. At the same time, diplomatic talks continue over Lebanon, with Iran insisting the country must be included in any formal peace settlement.
Meanwhile, Hegseth also addressed growing concerns over China’s military expansion in the Indo-Pacific region, describing regional concerns as “rightful alarm” while stressing that the US seeks a “respectful” and stable balance of power rather than confrontation.
On Taiwan, Hegseth reiterated that there has been no change in Washington’s official stance, though future arms sales decisions would remain under President Trump’s authority.
China’s absence at the defence summit, marked by Defence Minister Dong Jun’s second consecutive no-show, has raised questions over Beijing’s regional security engagement amid rising tensions over Taiwan and the Strait of Hormuz.
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