US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the United States is “more than capable” of resuming hostilities against Iran if negotiations do not produce an agreement. His comments come as Washington and Tehran continue talks intended to bridge major differences that have so far prevented a deal. Hegseth also says President Donald Trump is “patient” and emphasizes that the US wants to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
According to reporting, the remarks follow recent diplomacy, including days of discussions and a two-hour meeting in the White House situation room. Despite these efforts, a permanent ceasefire remains elusive, and the sources describe the overall negotiations as ongoing without an announced breakthrough. The statements frame the US position as maintaining readiness for military action while negotiations continue.
No details are provided in the cited summaries about specific timelines, conditions for any change in posture, or the nature of the disputes blocking agreement. The coverage is consistent on the central message: the US signals it can restart conflict with Iran, while seeking to reach an arrangement that prevents Iran from developing a nuclear capability.
