Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Saturday that the United States has the weapons and capacity to resume military strikes against Iran if diplomatic efforts fail, according to Reuters.
“Our ability to recommence if necessary…we are more than capable,” Hegseth told defense officials and diplomats gathered at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. “Our stockpiles are more than suited for that, both there and around the globe, so we’re in a very good place.”
The remarks came as U.S. and Iranian negotiators worked to close major gaps standing in the way of a deal.
President Donald Trump said Friday that he would meet in a secure White House room to make a “final determination” on a proposal that would extend an early-April truce by 60 days, giving negotiators more time to pursue a permanent end to the conflict.
Hegseth said Trump is “patient” and wants a “great deal” that keeps Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
The U.S. and Israel launched the conflict on Feb. 28, according to Reuters. The war has killed thousands of people, mainly in Iran and Lebanon, and pushed up energy prices worldwide after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz.
Hegseth also used the Singapore forum to press Asian allies to increase defense spending, warning that China’s rapid military buildup warranted concern.
“A Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance of power,” he said. “No state, including China, can impose its hegemony and hold the security or prosperity of our nation and our allies in question.”
He also pressed allies on defense costs.
“The era of the United States subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations is over,” Hegseth said. “We need partners, not protectorates. No freeloading.”
He praised defense commitments from South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand Japan, Vietnam and India.
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