US warns of possible military action against Iran as nuclear talks stall

The United States has warned that it could resume military strikes against Iran if ongoing diplomatic negotiations fail to produce a lasting agreement, signaling continued pressure as efforts to end months of conflict remain uncertain.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington retains both the capability and readiness to restart military operations if talks collapse, emphasizing that the U.S. military remains fully prepared for any outcome.

Speaking at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore on Saturday, Hegseth stressed that the United States is not constrained in its ability to respond should diplomacy fail.

“Our ability to recommence if necessary, we are more than capable,” he said, adding that U.S. weapons stockpiles were sufficient to sustain prolonged military action if required.

The Pentagon chief also underscored that Washington remains focused on broader global security commitments, including the Indo-Pacific region, despite its involvement in the Iran conflict.

He insisted that the United States has the capacity to manage multiple security challenges simultaneously while continuing to strengthen its defence production base.

“We can do two things at one time. We’re super-charging our defence industrial base so that we’re building two, three and four times the munitions needed to ensure our operational plans are properly funded around the world,” Hegseth said.

According to him, the expansion of U.S. defence manufacturing is intended to ensure sustained military readiness across different regions of the world.

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Hegseth also commended U.S. President Donald Trump for pursuing a diplomatic resolution to the crisis, describing him as patient and focused on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

He said Washington remains committed to securing an agreement that would permanently block Iran’s path to nuclear capability while avoiding further escalation.

The comments come as U.S. and Iranian negotiators continue efforts to bridge significant disagreements that have stalled ongoing talks aimed at ending the conflict and restoring stability.

President Trump had earlier indicated that he would meet senior advisers in a secure White House briefing to make a “final determination” on a proposal under consideration.

The plan reportedly includes extending an early-April truce by 60 days to allow additional time for negotiations.

The conflict, which escalated after military action launched by the United States and Israel on February 28, has reportedly resulted in thousands of casualties, particularly in Iran and Lebanon.

The war has also disrupted global energy markets, contributing to rising oil prices amid instability in key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global crude exports.

As diplomatic efforts continue, Washington’s latest warning underscores the fragile balance between negotiation and military escalation.

Analysts say the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether talks can deliver a sustainable agreement or whether the conflict risks further intensification.