The United States has said it remains “more than capable” of resuming military action against Iran as negotiations over a potential peace agreement continue amid deep disagreements between Washington and Tehran.
The warning came as US President Donald Trump indicated that any deal must meet strict conditions, including a guarantee that Iran will never develop nuclear weapons and that key maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, are reopened without restrictions.
Despite weeks of diplomatic engagement, no final agreement has been reached. A senior US official confirmed that President Trump met advisers for two hours in the White House Situation Room but left without approving the proposed framework deal.
US sources had earlier suggested that a draft agreement was awaiting the president’s decision. However, officials stressed that Trump would only sign off on a deal that aligned fully with his stated red lines.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth reinforced Washington’s position while speaking at a defence summit in Singapore, stating that the United States retains strong military readiness and could restart operations if necessary.
“Our ability to recommence if necessary is that we are more than capable,” Hegseth said, adding that US stockpiles and global positioning remain sufficient for sustained operations.
The US Central Command also stated that American forces “remain present and vigilant across the region,” underlining continued military preparedness.
Diplomatic efforts, some reportedly mediated by Pakistan, have been complicated by recent escalations, including US strikes on the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas and retaliatory action from Iran. The developments have added further strain to already fragile negotiations.
Talks have also overlapped with broader regional tensions, including parallel discussions involving Lebanon, where fighting continues despite repeated attempts to establish a ceasefire.
President Trump has maintained that any agreement must include Iran’s commitment to abandon its nuclear ambitions and ensure unrestricted maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz. He also suggested coordination on handling Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles.
A White House official reiterated that “President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his red lines,” while confirming Iran must never possess nuclear weapons.
Iranian officials have pushed back firmly against these conditions. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran rejects externally imposed demands, adding that no final agreement has been reached despite ongoing exchanges.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking in a call with the Emir of Qatar, said Tehran remained open to a “dignified framework” to end the conflict, according to state media.
Disputes also remain over reported terms of the draft agreement. Iranian sources rejected claims regarding toll-free shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and described suggestions about destroying nuclear material as unfounded.
With positions still far apart, both sides continue to signal openness to dialogue while simultaneously maintaining military and political pressure.
