US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth, speaking at an international forum in Singapore, made it clear that Washington is ready to negotiate with Iran but has no intention of conceding key positions. According to him, any deal that guarantees Iran will not possess nuclear weapons will be 'beneficial' for America.
Trump's Patience and the Threat of Force
The Pentagon chief emphasized that President Donald Trump is showing patience to achieve the most effective agreement. However, this patience does not mean weakness. Hegseth stated directly: if Tehran refuses conditions that exclude nuclear ambitions, Iran will have to 'measure strength' against the US military.
"I said it would be a good deal," the minister replied to a question from journalists, which he called "insincere." His tone was unequivocal: the US is ready for compromise, but only within the framework of its strategic interests.
Readiness to Resume Combat Operations
Hegseth also added that, if necessary, US troops are ready to immediately resume combat operations. According to him, there are more than enough weapons and resources for such an operation. This statement sounded like a warning, not just rhetoric.
Uncertainty Surrounding Trump's Decision
Interestingly, Hegseth's comment came less than 12 hours after Trump's meeting with advisers in the White House Situation Room. It was there, according to CNN, that the final decision was supposed to be made—whether to go for a deal with Iran or not. However, no official statements from the president have followed yet.
Ultimatum and Framework Agreement
Recall that a few days ago, Trump issued a four-point ultimatum to Iran, including renouncing nuclear ambitions as a condition for opening the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, media reports emerged that the parties had allegedly agreed on a framework agreement providing for a 60-day extension of the ceasefire and negotiations on the nuclear program.
Now everything depends on whether Trump approves this agreement. For now, the situation remains tense, and Hegseth's words only reinforce the feeling that Washington is ready for any development of events—from diplomacy to military force.