SINGAPORE: The United States has warned that it is fully prepared for potential military action against Iran if ongoing diplomatic efforts fail to produce a nuclear agreement.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington remains committed to negotiations with Tehran but stressed that the United States is ready to act if necessary.
“If a deal is not reached, we are more prepared than ever to take action against Iran,” Hegseth said while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a security forum in Singapore.
He reiterated that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons and said diplomatic talks were ongoing to resolve outstanding issues in the nuclear dispute.
The defense secretary added that the U.S. administration continues to prioritize a negotiated solution, but maintained that all options remain on the table should talks collapse.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has described Pakistan as a “sincere friend” of the United States, while expressing cautious optimism over ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran and reiterating Washington’s concerns about China’s expanding military capabilities.
“Pakistan is a sincere friend of the United States,” he said, while noting that any potential agreement with Iran would be positive if it contributed to regional stability.
Hegseth said discussions with Iran had been constructive and that “good talks” had taken place. He maintained that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, adding that the United States remained prepared for all scenarios if diplomacy fails.
Hegseth said the US continues to pursue regular defense-level engagements and expects monthly meetings between military teams. He added that President Donald Trump would pursue agreements based on American national interests.
The US defense chief also confirmed recent talks with China’s defense leadership, saying military communication channels remained open and that relations between the two countries were currently at their most stable level in years.
He stressed the need for a stronger alliance network to maintain balance in the region, saying no country should be allowed to impose dominance in the Indo-Pacific.
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On broader security commitments, he said the U.S. would continue arms sales and defense cooperation with allies including Japan, South Korea, Australia, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, while maintaining strategic focus on both the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region.
