The United States is prepared to carry out additional military strikes against Iran if a diplomatic agreement cannot be reached, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned on May 30.
Hegseth’s remarks came as diplomats from Washington and Tehran continue efforts to negotiate an agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
Currently attending the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier defense conference in Singapore, the Pentagon chief stated, “We have the full capability to strike again if necessary.”
He added, “Our weapons stockpiles are well-suited not only for that region but for similar situations around the world, and we are in a highly advantageous position.”
Hegseth emphasized that despite being engaged in conflict with Iran, the United States has not shifted its focus away from the Asia-Pacific region.
“We can do both at the same time,” he said. “We are strengthening our defense industrial base, which will soon allow us to produce two, three, or even four times more ammunition than before. This will ensure the effective implementation of all our military plans around the world.”
According to the defense secretary, US President Donald Trump has shown considerable patience and is seeking an “excellent deal” that would guarantee Iran never acquires nuclear weapons.
Earlier, on May 29, Trump said he would convene a meeting in a secure room at the White House to make a “final decision” regarding a proposal to end the conflict. The proposal calls for extending the ceasefire, which took effect in early April, by another 60 days, providing diplomats from both countries with additional time to negotiate a permanent peace agreement.
The conflict began on February 28 following a joint operation by the United States and Israel. The bloody confrontation has already claimed thousands of lives, most of them Iranian and Lebanese citizens.
The war has also had significant economic consequences. Iran’s closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz has caused global oil prices to surge, creating major disruptions and concerns for the world economy.
