U.S. Defense Secretary Says Military Option Available as Iran Nuclear Talks Continue

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on May 30 that the United States remains prepared to restart strikes on Iran if negotiators fail to reach a deal. He made the remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore.

“Our ability to recommence if necessary … we are more than capable,” Hegseth told the audience, according to multiple reports drawn from his appearance. “Our stockpiles are more than suited for that, both there and around the globe, so we’re in a very good place,” he added.

Hegseth described President Donald Trump as “patient” and said the president wants a “great deal” that prevents Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Hegseth also said talks with Iran had been “productive.” He stated that the United States has not shifted its focus away from the Asia-Pacific region. “We can do two things at one time,” he said.

On May 29, Trump said he would meet inside a secure White House room to make a “final determination” on a proposal that would extend an early-April truce by another 60 days. Negotiators from Washington and Tehran continued efforts on May 30 to bridge remaining differences blocking a permanent settlement.

The vessels’ operators have not been publicly identified by the U.S. government in connection with prior naval actions. No publicly released evidence has documented certain contested claims regarding initiation of hostilities. Iran’s foreign ministry has not commented as of May 30 on the latest statements from the Shangri-La Dialogue.

A U.S. Sailor directing an F/A-18F Super Hornet on the deck of the USS George H. W. Bush on May 6 illustrated ongoing naval operations supporting what the Navy has called Operation Epic Fury.