SINGAPORE, May 30 - Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, the defense forum that gathers military and diplomatic leaders across Asia, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington is prepared to resume attacks on Iran if negotiators fail to reach an agreement.
"Our ability to recommence if necessary...we are more than capable," Hegseth said in Singapore. He added that U.S. stockpiles "are more than suited for that, both there and around the globe, so were in a very good place."
Hegseth framed the readiness to act as complementary to U.S. engagement in the Asia-Pacific, rejecting the notion that involvement in the Iran conflict has meant turning away from the region. "We can do two things at one time," he said, describing efforts to expand the defense industrial base. "Were super-charging our defence industrial base so that were building 2X, 3X, 4X the munitions very soon to ensure that all of our (operations) plans are properly funded throughout the world," he added.
The defense secretary also said President Donald Trump has exercised patience and seeks a "great deal" that would prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
On Friday, Trump said he would meet in a secure White House room to make a "final determination" regarding a proposal intended to end the Iran war. That proposal would extend an early-April truce for another 60 days, a pause designed to give negotiators additional time to try to secure a permanent end to hostilities.
The conflict, which the statement attributes to an offensive launched by the U.S. and Israel on February 28, has resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily in Iran and Lebanon. The war has also had economic consequences, with global energy markets affected after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to higher energy prices and wider economic pain.
Context and implications
Hegseths remarks underline two parallel themes: that the U.S. retains the military capacity to resume strikes on Iran if diplomacy collapses, and that Washington intends to maintain strategic attention on the Asia-Pacific while scaling up munitions production to support worldwide operations.
Negotiators from Washington and Tehran continue to discuss outstanding differences that are preventing a final agreement, with U.S. political and military leaders publicly emphasizing both patience and preparedness as talks proceed.