The United States has warned that it remains “more than capable” of resuming military action against Iran as diplomatic efforts to secure a peace deal continue to stall, despite weeks of negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East.

The warning came on Saturday as President Donald Trump reiterated that any agreement with Tehran must meet strict US conditions, including a permanent end to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

A White House official said the administration would only accept a deal that aligns with Trump’s “red lines,” stressing that “Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon.”

Pentagon signals military readiness

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington retains the capability to restart military operations if necessary, speaking at a defence summit in Singapore.

“Our ability to recommence if necessary is that we are more than capable,” Hegseth said, adding that US stockpiles and global military positioning remain sufficient for sustained operations.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) also said American forces “remain present and vigilant across the region,” underscoring continued military readiness amid rising tensions.

Deal still uncertain

US officials had earlier suggested that a draft agreement was awaiting presidential approval following a high-level meeting in the White House Situation Room. However, no final decision has been announced after the talks.

Iran, meanwhile, has rejected claims that a final agreement has been reached, insisting that negotiations remain unresolved.

A spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry said Tehran had “no obligation to accept imposed conditions,” while maintaining that diplomatic exchanges were still ongoing.

Competing demands in negotiations

President Trump has reportedly demanded that Iran dismantle its nuclear programme and reopen key maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, which remains a major global energy corridor.

A White House official said Iran must accept “clear and non-negotiable conditions” for any agreement to proceed.

However, Iranian officials have pushed back strongly, arguing that certain US demands are unrealistic and not included in draft discussions. Iranian state media also reported that Tehran is seeking the release of frozen assets as part of any phased agreement.

Regional tensions persist

The diplomatic uncertainty comes amid continued instability across the region, including ongoing conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces had advanced further into southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah confirmed continued attacks on Israeli positions near the border.

A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, which was expected to take effect in April, has not been implemented, with both sides accusing each other of repeated violations.

Lebanon was drawn further into the wider conflict earlier this year after cross-border attacks escalated into a broader military confrontation.

Uncertain outlook

With negotiations still unresolved and military posturing intensifying, analysts warn that the situation remains highly volatile.

As one Iranian resident quoted by state media noted, conflicting statements from both sides have made it difficult to determine whether diplomacy will succeed or collapse into renewed conflict.