Hegseth Says U.S. Can Resume Iran Strikes if Talks Fail

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said May 30, 2026, in Singapore that the United States is prepared to restart attacks on Iran if negotiations fail to produce an agreement. He spoke at the Shangri-La Dialogue as U.S. and Iranian negotiators worked to bridge differences that have blocked a deal.

“Our ability to recommence if necessary... we are more than capable,” Hegseth said. He added that U.S. stockpiles are “more than suited for that, both there and around the globe.”

Hegseth said the United States has not shifted its focus away from the Asia-Pacific region despite being engaged in conflict with Iran. “We can do two things at one time,” he said, adding that Washington is “super-charging” its defense industrial base to increase munitions output.

Trump seeks ‘great deal’ as truce extension discussed

Hegseth said President Donald Trump is “patient” and wants to reach a “great deal” that ensures Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.

On May 29, Trump said he would meet in a secure White House room to make a “final determination” on a proposal to extend an early-April truce for another 60 days. He said the extension would give negotiators more time to pursue a permanent end to the conflict.

War fallout includes higher energy prices

The war launched by the United States and Israel on February 28 has killed thousands of people, mainly in Iran and Lebanon, according to the report. The conflict has also added to global economic strain by pushing up energy prices after Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Officials have not said when a decision on the truce extension would be announced. Markets and governments are watching whether diplomacy holds and whether shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted.