The U.S. is ready to restart attacks on Iran if a deal cannot be reached, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned on Saturday, as negotiators from Washington and Tehran worked to bridge major differences blocking an agreement.
“Our ability to recommence if necessary…we are more than capable,” Hegseth said in remarks made from Singapore. “Our stockpiles are more than suited for that, both there and around the globe, so we’re in a very good place,” he added.
The Pentagon chief said President Donald Trump was “patient” and wants to make a “great deal” that ensures Iran does not get a nuclear weapon.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that his country’s forces had pushed deeper into Lebanon, even as military delegations from both countries held landmark security talks in Washington.
Israel kept up its heavy bombardment of southern Lebanon, with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasising in a call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio “the need to exert all efforts to reach a ceasefire”.
