WANA (May 30) – U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a mixed message on Iran on Saturday, expressing support for a diplomatic agreement while simultaneously warning that Washington remains prepared to resume military action if negotiations fail.

 

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, Hegseth outlined a position that reflected the United States’ longstanding strategy of combining diplomatic engagement with military pressure toward Tehran.

 

In part of his remarks, Hegseth argued that “any deal with Iran would be a good deal,” signaling the administration’s preference for a negotiated resolution to ongoing disputes. His comments came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that a potential agreement with Tehran could include major concessions, such as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program. Iranian officials quickly pushed back against those assertions, emphasizing that no final agreement has been reached.

 

However, Hegseth struck a markedly different tone later in his speech, highlighting U.S. military capabilities and stating that the United States is “fully capable of resuming war with Iran” if necessary.

 

He further claimed that American military stockpiles, both in the region and worldwide, are more than sufficient to support such an operation. Hegseth also reiterated Washington’s commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, describing it as a continuing global responsibility of the United States.

 

Summarizing the Pentagon’s position, the defense secretary made clear that if diplomatic efforts fail to produce an agreement, military options remain available and the United States stands ready to act.

 

The remarks come as Iranian officials continue to stress that Tehran approaches negotiations from a position of strength and that military threats or political pressure will not affect its determination to safeguard national interests and defend what it considers its legitimate nuclear rights.