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The United States has warned that it remains fully prepared to resume military action against Iran if ongoing peace negotiations fail, as President Donald Trump insisted that any agreement must meet key American conditions, including a permanent ban on Tehran developing nuclear weapons.
The warning came amid fragile diplomatic efforts to end the conflict that has shaken the Middle East and rattled the global economy.
Speaking at a major defence summit in Singapore on Saturday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington retained the military capability to restart hostilities if necessary.
“Our ability to recommence if necessary is unquestionable. Our stockpiles and military readiness remain sufficient both in the region and globally,” Hegseth stated.
The remarks followed reports that an initial peace framework between Washington and Tehran was awaiting Trump’s approval. However, the US president has yet to make a final decision after a two-hour meeting with top national security officials in the White House Situation Room on Friday.
A White House official told AFP that Trump would only endorse an agreement that aligns with US interests and meets his non-negotiable conditions.
“President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his red lines. Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon,” the official said.
Trump also reiterated his demands in a social media post, insisting that Iran must permanently abandon its nuclear ambitions and reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz without restrictions or tolls.
Despite optimism from Washington, Iranian officials denied that a final agreement had been reached.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei rejected what he described as American attempts to dictate terms, saying Tehran had long rejected the language of ultimatums.
“Messages continue to be exchanged, but no final agreement has been reached yet,” Baqaei said.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also signalled openness to diplomacy, telling Qatar’s Emir that Tehran was prepared to pursue a “dignified framework” to end the conflict.
However, significant disagreements remain. Iranian media reports indicate Tehran is demanding the immediate release of $12 billion in frozen assets before advancing negotiations, while also disputing Trump’s claims regarding the destruction of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and the terms surrounding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The peace process has faced additional challenges following recent US strikes on Iran’s southern port city of Bandar Abbas and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks.
Meanwhile, violence continues on another major front in Lebanon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli forces had advanced further into southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacks on northern Israel and Israeli troops operating near the historic Beaufort fortress.
Efforts to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah have repeatedly stalled despite previous agreements and ongoing diplomatic contacts.
Direct talks between Israeli and Lebanese representatives are expected to continue in Washington next week as international mediators push for a broader regional settlement.
Observers remain cautious about the prospects for peace, with uncertainty persisting over whether the competing demands of Washington and Tehran can be reconciled.
“Both sides are speaking in a way that keeps their supporters satisfied. It’s not clear who is telling the truth,” said Ali, a resident of northern Iran, reflecting widespread scepticism over the negotiations.
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