The United States says it is “more than capable” of resuming war with Iran as talks continue without resolution

The United States warned on Saturday that it remains prepared to resume military operations against Iran if necessary, as President Donald Trump reiterated that any deal with Tehran must meet key US conditions, including a permanent end to Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions.According to American officials quoted by Agence France-Presse, the draft framework is awaiting Trump’s approval. However, the president stopped short of making a decision after a meeting in the White House Situation Room on Friday.During a defense summit in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stressed Washington’s military preparedness, saying that the United States is “more than capable” of resuming the war if necessary, and that “our stockpiles are more than adequate for that.”US Central Command (CENTCOM) reinforced this message, stating on Screen X that US forces “remain present and vigilant throughout the region.”These statements came amid conflicting signals regarding the possibility of achieving a breakthrough in the negotiations. While the White House has indicated that Trump is considering a possible agreement, Iranian officials insist that the talks have not yet resulted in a final agreement.Although the ceasefire agreement reached in April has largely held, tensions continue to rise.

The state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that the country’s air defense systems intercepted a drone on Saturday, describing it as “belonging to the American-Zionist aggressor enemy.”Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continued. Discussions also focused on the conflict in Lebanon, which Iran has insisted on as a condition for any broader agreement with Washington. Israeli forces continued their advance into southern Lebanon even as military delegations from Israel and Lebanon met at the Pentagon on Friday.Trump has set several conditions for a deal, including guarantees that Iran will never acquire nuclear weapons and the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. A White House official told AFP, “President Trump will only reach an agreement that is good for America and meets his red lines,” adding that “Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon.”But Iran rejected what it saw as American attempts to dictate its terms.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei said that the Islamic Republic “bid farewell to the language of ‘must’ 47 years ago.”Although he acknowledged the continued exchange of messages between the two sides, Al-Bikai stressed that “no final agreement has been reached.”Tasnim News Agency also reported that the US naval blockade remains in effect and that ships trying to pass through the strait “are receiving warnings from US Central Command to stop and not cross the blockade line.”Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told the Nikkei Asia that the ongoing turmoil in the Strait of Hormuz puts great pressure on both Washington and Tehran. “The international impact, including on energy security, food security and rising prices, is enormous,” Fidan said.He added, “This situation has become a priority over the nuclear files.”Meanwhile, fighting continued on the Lebanese front despite a separate ceasefire agreement.

The Israeli army on Saturday issued new evacuation orders for villages in southern Lebanon, one day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli forces had advanced more than 30 kilometers into Lebanese territory.A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah went into effect on April 17, but was repeatedly undermined by violations, with both sides blaming each other.The latest escalation began in early March when Hezbollah fired missiles at Israel following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader by the United States and Israel. Israel responded with large-scale strikes across Lebanon and later launched a ground attack. Israel and Lebanon have since opened direct negotiations, and a fourth round of talks is expected to be held next week.