US Defence Secretary Threatens Iran, War Could Continue Without a Deal
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the US military is prepared to resume combat in the Gulf region if necessary, asserting that America is now in a stronger position than at the outset of the conflict.
“We are focused on readiness and preparation to re-engage if required,” Hegseth said during his visit to Singapore, according to CNN International on Sunday, 31 May 2026.
However, US President Donald Trump prefers a diplomatic approach. Hegseth explained that Trump’s goal remains preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
“The objective has not changed,” he said.
Hegseth noted productive talks have taken place.
“I believe they know where this is heading,” he added.
“They claim to control the Strait of Hormuz, but we are the ones in control,” Hegseth added.
Previously, at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth said Trump is patient to ensure any peace deal with Iran guarantees it will not obtain nuclear weapons.
“If Iran does not want to make a major deal ensuring they do not get nuclear weapons, they can deal with the US military,” Hegseth stated.
He also added that US weaponry is sufficient to accomplish the task.
Meanwhile, the White House has signaled that Trump is close to making a decision on a potential agreement, despite Tehran denying any final deal to end the conflict, AFP reported.
US sources told AFP that the deal awaits Trump’s approval, but he has not made a decision after Friday’s White House Situation Room meeting.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) posted on X that American forces “remain present and vigilant across the region.”
Although a partial ceasefire has largely held since April, tensions have occasionally escalated.
Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported that air defence shot down a drone “belonging to the aggressive Zionist-US enemy” on Saturday, citing military sources.
Nevertheless, diplomacy continues, including efforts to halt parallel fighting in Lebanon, which Iran insists must be part of any deal to end the war, even as Israeli forces have advanced further while military delegations from both sides met at the Pentagon on Friday.