U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth warns Iran: "We're ready to resume war, but no nuclear weapons."

The United States says it is "more than capable" of resuming war against Iran if negotiations fail to yield an agreement acceptable to Washington. This message came from US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, one of the leading international forums dedicated to security in the Asia-Pacific region. In his speech, the Pentagon chief reiterated that the Trump administration remains committed to preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, while negotiations continue to end the conflict and stabilize a regional situation still rife with high tensions.

Washington's warning on Iran's nuclear program

Hegseth made it clear that the United States considers the Iranian nuclear issue a global security priority. According to the Defense Secretary, Washington maintains "global obligations" to ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon. The message, delivered in a high-profile diplomatic context, comes as the White House explores the possibility of an agreement with Tehran and as Donald Trump maintains his stance that any agreement must be beneficial to the United States and respect clear red lines.

American military capability and available supplies

In response to questions during the Singapore summit, Hegseth maintained that the United States' capacity to resume military operations, if necessary, would be "more than sufficient." The Pentagon chief also referred to weapons stockpiles, which he described as adequate both in the affected region and in the rest of the world. According to his reconstruction, Washington can count on a balance between high-tech munitions and more extensive supplies, a factor presented as a guarantee of American military readiness should diplomatic means fail.

Trump has not yet decided on the agreement with Tehran

Meanwhile, the White House has yet to give final approval for a possible agreement with Iran. The Situation Room meeting, convened by Donald Trump with the national security team, concluded after about two hours without a final decision. According to administration sources cited by US media, an agreement is considered close, but delicate issues remain to be resolved. Among the outstanding issues is the release of Iranian funds frozen abroad, a key issue for Tehran and politically sensitive for Washington.

The White House red lines

The US president's position remains tied to specific conditions. Trump has reiterated that Iran will never possess a nuclear weapon and that any agreement must reflect US interests. Communications attributed to the White House outline a negotiating line based on stringent demands: a halt to the process of nuclear weapons, guarantees on enriched material, security in the Strait of Hormuz, and no concessions that would strengthen Tehran without solid terms. The strategy therefore appears twofold: keeping the diplomatic channel open, but continuing to demonstrate the ability to exert military pressure.

The draft agreement and the 60-day ceasefire

According to reports circulating in the last few hours, US and Iranian negotiators have reportedly been working on a preliminary memorandum lasting 60 days. The draft would serve to extend the current ceasefire and initiate broader discussions on Iran's nuclear program. The agreement, however, still requires final approval from Donald Trump. This lack of signature makes the situation unstable: on the one hand, negotiations appear to be advanced, on the other, the political decision remains suspended and subject to the US president's direct assessment.

Pezeshkian opens to a “dignified peace”

Tehran has signaled its willingness to engage in dialogue. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran is ready to reach a "dignified framework" to end the ongoing war with the United States and regional tensions. The statement was made during a telephone conversation with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Pezeshkian argued that the Islamic Republic has long demonstrated its commitment to dialogue, calling on the other side to reciprocate with genuine political will and respect for international obligations.

Qatar's role and the search for regional mediation

The phone call between Pezeshkian and the Emir of Qatar confirms the importance of regional diplomacy in a period marked by uncertainty and military pressure. Doha, already involved in delicate Middle Eastern mediations in the past, is being cited as a useful interlocutor to foster a negotiating framework capable of avoiding a new escalation. The Iranian message aims to present Tehran as a party open to a political solution, but the gap with Washington remains wide, especially over nuclear guarantees, control of the Strait of Hormuz, and the economic conditions associated with frozen funds.

Hormuz, US inspections and the mine issue

One of the most sensitive issues concerns the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic gateway for global energy flows. According to NBC News, citing American officials, the U.S. military has not yet confirmed the presence of Iranian mines, despite previous intelligence reports indicating the risk of underwater weapons in the area. Searches conducted with underwater drones, robotic systems, and aircraft have not definitively identified suspicious objects as mines. The issue remains relevant because the control and security of Hormuz directly impacts the economic and military stability of the entire region.

The Lebanese front and the launches towards northern Israel

While the main battle between Washington and Tehran remains ongoing, the Israeli-Lebanese front continues to fuel new tensions. The Israel Defense Forces reported several projectiles fired from Lebanon toward northern Israel, with most of the shots intercepted and one detected in the Kiryat Shmona area. In the following hours, the IDF announced it had destroyed a rocket launcher used by Hezbollah to strike Israeli territory. This incident confirms how the Iranian crisis is part of a broader regional context, where militias, states, and military alliances remain closely intertwined.

Evacuations in southern Lebanon and humanitarian fears

Israeli military authorities have also called on residents of seven towns in southern Lebanon to evacuate ahead of operations against Hezbollah. The IDF has identified Mayfadoun, Choukine, Zebdine, Ansar, Zrariyeh, Mazra'at Kawthariyat ar Ruzz, and Machghara as the affected areas, stating that it must take action against the group following its ceasefire violation. In parallel, UNICEF Lebanon has denounced a heavy toll on children, reporting that 77 children were killed or injured in the country in just one week. This figure adds a dramatic element to a crisis already marked by the risk of escalating the conflict.

Military talks between Israel and Lebanon at the Pentagon

In an effort to contain the escalation, Washington also hosted military-level talks between Israeli and Lebanese delegations. US Deputy Secretary of State Elbridge Colby reported productive discussions at the Pentagon, part of a security process designed to support political negotiations led by the State Department. The stated goal is to build concrete frameworks for regional security and stability, with a focus on Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, free from pressure from non-state armed actors. However, developments on the ground demonstrate how fragile any diplomatic effort remains.

The message to Europe: “Partners, not protectorates”

In his speech in Singapore, Hegseth also addressed a direct message to Europe. The Pentagon chief stated that the era in which the United States subsidized the defense of wealthy nations is over, arguing that Washington needs partners, not protectorates. According to Hegseth, alliances must be based on shared responsibilities, not shared dependence. He was referring to European countries that, according to the Trump administration, have not done enough to sustain their own weight in common security.

The new American idea of ​​alliance

The Secretary of Defense explained that the United States intends to prioritize collaboration with what he calls "model allies": capable, thoughtful countries, and ready to defend their national interests. Hegseth urged Europe to embrace the change "without drama or moralizing," suggesting a more selective and transactional vision of strategic relations. The Pentagon's stance appears consistent with the Trump administration's approach, which calls for greater autonomy from allies, increased defense investment, and a more concrete participation in international security.

Focus on Asia-Pacific and China's military growth

Alongside the Iranian dossier and the warning to Europe, Hegseth devoted a significant portion of his speech to the Asia-Pacific. According to the Pentagon chief, there is "justified alarm" in the region over China's historic military buildup and the expansion of its military activities beyond its national borders. Washington, he clarified, is not seeking a pointless confrontation, but is aiming for a favorable and lasting balance of power, in which no state, including China, can impose its hegemony or jeopardize the security and prosperity of the United States and its allies.

Washington seeks balance, but warns Beijing

The message on China was balanced between deterrence and diplomacy. Hegseth spoke of a stable balance, beneficial to the Americans and their allies, emphasizing that the foundation of any partnership remains the alignment of national interests. The Defense Secretary praised several countries in the region, including the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, for their willingness to share the defense burden, also citing Vietnam and India for strengthening their military readiness. At the same time, he accused Beijing of seeking to disrupt the regional status quo.

A global strategy between deterrence and negotiation

Hegseth's speech demonstrates an American strategy built on multiple levels. On the Iranian front, Washington maintains the possibility of an agreement, but continues to emphasize its willingness to resume military operations. With Europe, the Trump administration is calling for greater responsibility in common defense. In the Asia-Pacific, the United States is seeking to consolidate a network of alliances capable of containing China's military rise. The common thread is a foreign policy that combines pressure, ally selection, and the centrality of American national interests.

A still fragile balance

The game remains open on all fronts. Iran speaks of a dignified peace, but awaits concrete signals from Washington. Trump has not yet given final approval to the draft agreement and continues to tie every decision to respecting his red lines. Lebanon and northern Israel remain exposed to the risk of new escalations, while the Strait of Hormuz continues to be viewed as one of the most sensitive points in the crisis. In this context, Hegseth's words do not close the diplomatic channel, but they make it clear that the United States intends to negotiate while maintaining its military and political pressure on Tehran.