Trump’s Commitment to an Iran Deal Remains Strong

Army Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Saturday that President Trump is still “committed” to what he described as a “big deal” with Iran. He warned that if negotiations fail, Iran could face renewed military action from the United States.

“They can choose to engage in an agreement, and we believe we’re in a good position to achieve that. Alternatively, they might negotiate with the Army Department,” Hegseth mentioned to reporters in Singapore after the Shangri-La Dialogue and Security Summit.

Emphasizing Trump’s preference for a diplomatic resolution, Hegseth added, “We’re prepared to act if necessary, and we are stronger today than we were initially.”

His comments followed a nearly two-hour meeting President Trump had with senior advisors regarding a potential framework agreement with Iran, which aims to extend a fragile ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and create a 60-day timeframe for further discussions about Iran’s nuclear program and other outstanding issues.

No formal conclusions emerged from Friday’s meeting, although Trump had previously indicated he would make a “final decision” on any prospective deal. White House officials reiterated that any agreement would need to align with Trump’s “red lines,” particularly concerning Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Before departing Singapore, Hegseth reiterated that Trump is willing to pursue diplomacy, provided Tehran agrees to conditions deemed enforceable and permanent by Washington.

“Any deal the president considers will only proceed if it is advantageous for the security of our nation and the world,” Hegseth stated.

“Forty-seven years later, there’s just one president who has made it unmistakably clear that Iran should not acquire a nuclear weapon,” he continued, claiming that Trump’s objectives remain unchanged.

Hegseth also implied that the administration senses the Iranian government may be inching closer to meeting U.S. demands, even amidst ongoing military and economic pressures against the Islamic Republic.

“Iran is well aware of our expectations, and it’s up to the negotiating team to fulfill those,” Hegseth commented. “They seem to be moving closer to our position. The discussions so far have been constructive, I think they have a good idea of the path forward.”

Furthermore, the Pentagon chief indicated that should talks falter, the U.S. would uphold its significant military capability.

“We are more than capable of ramping up if necessary,” Hegseth remarked, asserting that the U.S. arsenal is adequately prepared for any potential escalations, both in the Middle East and elsewhere.

This discussion coincides with heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, even as negotiations persist. Oman’s Maritime Security Center issued a warning on Saturday, urging vessels to exercise extreme caution following the discovery of a suspected floating mine in the key waterway.

The alert was prompted by CENTCOM warning ships engaging in minelaying in and around the Strait of Hormuz could be met with U.S. military action, aimed at maintaining secure maritime traffic in the area.

Additionally, Iranian lawmakers reportedly discussed a bill formalizing Tehran’s claim to sovereignty over this critical shipping route, conflicting with the Trump administration’s insistence that the strait remain open for unrestricted global shipping.

On Saturday, Hegseth pointed out that the U.S. naval blockade related to the conflict is still active as efforts continue to reopen the strait.

“The blockade is very much ongoing,” Hegseth confirmed, adding that the strait would eventually be “opened to all without tolls.”

President Trump reaffirmed on Friday that any final agreement with Iran must entail the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, unrestricted global shipping, removal of remaining Iranian naval mines, and a definitive end to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“Iran must agree to never possess nuclear weapons,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

However, Iranian officials have continued to express skepticism about the U.S. demands, indicating their reluctance to align with Washington’s characterization of the negotiations.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that the government remains focused on ending the conflict, asserting that it is not currently discussing details of its nuclear program.

Similarly, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf rejected U.S. guarantees, emphasizing that “actions speak louder than words.”