New US Threats Against Iran

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that the US is prepared to resume hostilities with Iran, stating: “We are focused on readiness and preparation to re-engage if necessary,” during his visit to Singapore, according to CNN International on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

However, President Donald Trump prefers diplomacy to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, Hegseth added, stressing that “this objective remains unchanged.”

He said productive talks have taken place, adding, “I think they know where we’re headed,” and “They claim to control the Strait of Hormuz, but we are the ones in control.”

Previously, at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth stated Trump is patient to ensure any peace agreement with Iran guarantees it will not obtain nuclear weapons. “If Iran does not want a major deal ensuring they do not get nuclear weapons, they can deal with the US military,” he said, adding US arms stockpiles are sufficient to “get the job done.”

The White House has signaled Trump is close to making a decision on a potential deal, though Tehran denies any final agreement to end the conflict, AFP reported.

US sources told AFP the deal awaits Trump’s approval, but he has not yet decided following a White House Situation Room meeting on Friday.

Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) posted on X that American forces “remain present and vigilant throughout the region.”

Despite a mostly enduring ceasefire since April, occasional tensions have escalated.

Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported that air defence shot down a drone “belonging to Zionist-US aggressors” on Saturday, citing military sources.

Nevertheless, diplomacy continues, including efforts to halt parallel fighting in Lebanon, which Iran insists must be part of any peace deal to end the war, even as Israeli forces have advanced further while military delegations from both sides met at the Pentagon on Friday.