Pete Hegseth Warns US Ready To Strike Iran Again If Talks Collapse

Addressing the Asia-Pacific security forum, Hegseth said the US had not shifted its focus away from the region despite its ongoing conflict with Iran.

The conflict has also affected global markets by driving up energy prices amid Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

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• Trump considers proposal to extend truce for nuclear deal.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday said the United States is prepared to restart attacks on Iran if negotiations fail to produce an agreement, as talks between Washington and Tehran continue amid major unresolved differences.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth said the US remained fully capable of carrying out military operations if required.

"Our ability to recommence if necessary...we are more than capable," Hegseth said.

"Our stockpiles are more than suited for that, both there and around the globe, so we're in a very good place," he added.

US Can Handle Multiple Global Challenges

Addressing the Asia-Pacific security forum, Hegseth said the US had not shifted its focus away from the region despite its ongoing conflict with Iran.

"We can do two things at one time. We're super-charging our defence industrial base so that we're building 2X, 3X, 4X the munitions very soon to ensure that all of our (operations) plans are properly funded throughout the world," ‌he ⁠said.

The Pentagon chief also said President Donald Trump remained committed to securing a deal with Iran over its nuclear programme.

Trump Considering Proposal To Extend Truce

Hegseth said Trump was "patient" and wanted to make a "great deal" that would ensure Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon.

On Friday, Trump said he would meet in a secure White House room to make a "final ⁠determination" on a proposal aimed at ending the Iran war.

The proposal would extend an early-April truce for another 60 days to allow negotiators additional time to reach a permanent agreement.

Conflict Has Triggered Global Economic Concerns

The war launched by the US and Israel on February 28 has killed thousands of people, mainly in Iran and Lebanon.

The conflict has also affected global markets by driving up energy prices amid Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.