LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The United States of America has warned it is prepared to resume military action against Iran if necessary, even as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continue amid disagreements over nuclear restrictions, sanctions relief and regional security issues.
The warning came on Saturday after President Donald Trump reiterated that any peace agreement with Iran must meet his “red lines,” key American demands that includes a permanent commitment by Tehran not to develop nuclear weapons.
Although the White House recently suggested that a preliminary agreement could be close, officials confirmed that no final decision had been made following a two-hour meeting at the White House Situation Room on Friday.
Speaking at a major defence summit in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stressed that Washington retained the capability to return to war if required.
“Our ability to recommence if necessary is (that) we are more than capable, our stockpiles are more than suited for that, both there and around the globe because of how we balance exquisite and more plentiful munitions,” he said.
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The statement echoed comments from the US Central Command, which said American forces remain deployed and alert across the region.
Diplomatic efforts, reportedly being mediated by Pakistan, have faced new challenges following recent US strikes on Iran’s southern port city of Bandar Abbas and Tehran’s retaliatory response.
Despite the escalation, both sides have continued exchanging messages in search of a political solution.
Trump outlined his priorities in a social media post, stating that Iran must permanently abandon any pursuit of nuclear weapons.
He also called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global shipping route that has faced disruption during the conflict.
“President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his red lines. Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon,” a White House official said after the Situation Room meeting.
Iran, however, rejected what it described as Washington’s attempts to dictate terms.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran would not accept demands imposed by foreign powers.
“The Islamic republic said goodbye to the language of ‘must’ 47 years ago,” Baqaei told state media.
He acknowledged that diplomatic contacts were ongoing but insisted that “no final agreement has been reached yet.”
Additionally, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reportedly told the Emir of Qatar that Tehran remained open to a “dignified framework” for ending the conflict.
Differences also emerged over the details of a potential agreement.
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President Trump claimed Iran would remove mines from the Strait of Hormuz, allow free passage through the waterway and cooperate with the United States on eliminating its enriched uranium stockpile.
However, Iran’s Fars News Agency cited sources disputing those claims.
According to the report published by AFP, Tehran is seeking the immediate release of $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets before advancing to the next phase of negotiations.
The sources also denied that any agreement included the destruction of Iran’s nuclear materials.
Beyond Iran, tensions remain high in Lebanon, where fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah has continued despite previous ceasefire efforts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli troops had advanced deeper into Lebanese territory, while Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacks targeting northern Israel and Israeli forces operating near the historic Beaufort fortress.
A ceasefire intended to take effect in April has largely collapsed, with both sides accusing each other of repeated violations.
At the same time, diplomatic contacts between Israel and Lebanon have continued as military representatives from both countries met in Washington on Friday, with another round of talks expected next week.
Ultimately, attention now remains fixed on the negotiations between Washington and Tehran, where deep divisions persist despite continued diplomatic engagement.
