The US is ready to restart attacks on Iran if a deal cannot be reached, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said 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 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.
Hegseth, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's premier forum for defense leaders, militaries, and diplomats, said the US has not turned its back on the Asia-Pacific region despite being engaged in conflict with Iran.
"We can do two things at one time. We're super-charging our defense industrial base so that we're building 2X, 3X, 4X the munitions very soon to ensure that all of our (operations) plans are properly funded throughout the world," he said.
Hegseth: Trump 'patient,' wants 'great deal'
The Pentagon chief said US President Donald Trump was "patient" and wants to make a "great deal" that ensures Iran does not get a nuclear weapon.
