The United States has issued a strong warning that it remains fully capable of restarting military operations against Iran if ongoing diplomatic efforts fail, even as negotiations aimed at ending the recent Middle East conflict continue amid conflicting claims from both sides.
The warning came on Saturday after US President Donald Trump reiterated that any future peace arrangement with Iran must comply with key American conditions, particularly ensuring that Tehran never develops nuclear weapons.
Although officials in Washington have recently indicated that discussions were progressing toward a possible agreement, Iranian authorities have disputed suggestions that a final settlement has been reached.
Reports indicated that the White House had been reviewing the framework of a potential agreement after weeks of complex negotiations characterized by both optimism and setbacks. Sources familiar with the discussions suggested that the proposal was awaiting President Trump’s approval, but no final decision emerged following a lengthy meeting held in the White House Situation Room on Friday.
Speaking during a major security conference in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the United States retains the military capability to return to active combat if circumstances require.
“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 stated.
His remarks echoed a message from United States Central Command (CENTCOM), which affirmed that American military personnel remain deployed and prepared across the region.
Recent efforts to secure a diplomatic breakthrough have been complicated by military developments, including US strikes targeting the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas and subsequent retaliatory actions by Iran.
Despite the escalation, diplomatic channels have remained open. Negotiations have continued through mediation efforts reportedly involving Pakistan, while parallel discussions have also focused on ending hostilities in Lebanon.
Iran has repeatedly maintained that developments in Lebanon should be incorporated into any comprehensive settlement. At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli troops had advanced further into Lebanese territory, even as military representatives from Israel and Lebanon participated in talks in Washington.
Iran Rejects External Conditions
Iranian officials responded firmly to the latest American demands.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei rejected the notion that Tehran would accept conditions imposed by foreign governments.
According to him, the Islamic Republic abandoned such language decades ago.
He indicated that communications between both sides were ongoing but stressed that no definitive agreement had been finalized.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told the Emir of Qatar during a telephone conversation that Iran remained willing to pursue what he described as a “dignified framework” capable of bringing the conflict to an end.
Trump, however, outlined several provisions he said would form part of a future arrangement. These included the removal of mines from the Strait of Hormuz, the reopening of the vital shipping route without tolls, and the lifting of restrictions affecting Iranian ports.
The US president also asserted that both nations would cooperate on removing and eliminating Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, while noting that no financial transfers would occur during the initial stages of implementation.
Iranian media outlets disputed several of those claims.
According to sources cited by Fars News Agency, Tehran is seeking the immediate release of approximately $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets before advancing to the next phase of negotiations.
The report also challenged suggestions that Iran had agreed to provisions concerning toll-free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz or the destruction of its nuclear materials.
Among ordinary citizens, uncertainty remains widespread.
A resident of Tonekabon in northern Iran expressed skepticism about statements coming from both governments, suggesting that each side may be framing events to satisfy domestic audiences rather than accurately reflecting the state of negotiations.
Fighting Continues in Lebanon
While diplomatic efforts continue, the conflict in Lebanon remains active.
Netanyahu announced that Israeli forces had moved beyond a river located roughly 30 kilometers north of the Israel-Lebanon border, signaling continued military operations despite ongoing negotiations.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah reported launching attacks against targets in northern Israel as well as Israeli troops operating near the historic Beaufort Fortress, also known as Qalaat al-Chakif.
The fortress served as an important Israeli military position during Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon, which ended in 2000.
A ceasefire intended to take effect on April 17 has largely failed, with both Israel and Hezbollah accusing each other of violating the agreement.
The Lebanese front became active in early March after Hezbollah launched rocket attacks following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader during joint US-Israeli military operations, triggering a broader Israeli military response that included airstrikes and ground incursions.
Direct discussions between Israel and Lebanon began in April, and another round of talks is expected to take place in Washington next week following recent military-level meetings between both sides.
