Pete Hegseth said on Saturday that the United States is “more than capable” of resuming military strikes against Iran if a diplomatic agreement cannot be reached, while emphasizing that U.S. President Donald Trump prefers a deal that ensures Tehran does not acquire a nuclear weapon.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth said that U.S. military capabilities and ammunition stockpiles are sufficient to carry out any required operations. He stressed that Washington can maintain its engagement in the Asia-Pacific region while simultaneously addressing the Iranian crisis.
He added that the United States is working to strengthen its defense industrial base and increase munitions production to meet military requirements around the world.
Hegseth’s remarks come as negotiators from Washington and Tehran seek to overcome the remaining obstacles to a potential agreement. On Friday, Trump announced that he would hold a meeting at the White House to make a “final decision” on a proposal aimed at ending the conflict with Iran and extending the current ceasefire for an additional 60 days.
Reuters
