US Threatens Renewed War with Iran Unless Absolute Agreement Reached

JAKARTA, CNBC INDONESIA – The US has warned it is ready to resume war with Iran if peace talks fail. The warning came as President Donald Trump insisted any deal must meet Washington’s absolute conditions, including ensuring Tehran never develops nuclear weapons. The White House had previously signalled Trump was close to deciding on a potential Iran deal, but Tehran denied any final agreement had been reached to end the ongoing conflict. Several US sources told AFP that a draft agreement was awaiting Trump’s final approval, though he has yet to decide after a Situation Room meeting on Friday local time. Amid the uncertainty, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a stern warning at a defence forum in Singapore. “Washington is more than capable of resuming war,” Hegseth said, quoted by AFP on Saturday (30 May 2026). US Central Command (CENTCOM) also confirmed American forces remain on alert in the region. In a post on X, CENTCOM stated US military personnel “are still in the area and remain vigilant”. Prospects for a deal were called into question this week after the US launched an attack on Iran’s Bandar Abbas port, prompting Tehran to retaliate with counter-strikes. Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported on Saturday that its air defence system shot down a drone allegedly belonging to “US-Zionist aggressors”, citing military statements. Despite rising tensions, diplomatic channels remain open. Discussions also include efforts to halt fighting in Lebanon. Iran insists the Lebanon issue must be part of any ceasefire talks, while Israeli forces are reported to be advancing further into the region. Trump reiterated Washington’s two key demands for any deal: Iran must commit to never developing nuclear weapons and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked. “President Trump will only make a deal that benefits the US and meets his red lines,” said a White House official, adding, “Iran must not have nuclear weapons.”