US says capable of resuming war with Iran as deal remains elusive

The United States reiterated its readiness to restart hostilities with Iran on Saturday, following President Donald Trump’s refusal to approve a proposed peace deal. Trump insisted any agreement must include Iran’s permanent inability to develop nuclear weapons and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without tolls. A White House official stated Iran ‘can never possess a nuclear weapon,’ while Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth emphasized U.S. military stockpiles remain sufficient for conflict. Diplomatic efforts stalled after Trump’s comments, with Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei rejecting U.S. demands, stating Iran ‘said goodbye to the language of must 47 years ago.’ Reports from Iranian state media claimed an unofficial draft agreement included a $12 billion asset release, which the White House dismissed as a ‘fabrication.’ Iran’s Fars news agency countered that no such clause existed in negotiations. Tensions persist in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran’s ISNA news agency cited lawmaker Alireza Salimi’s claim that a plan to assert Iranian control over the waterway would soon pass parliament. Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) warned Iranian ships to avoid crossing the blockade, while Iran’s IRNA reported shooting down a drone ‘belonging to the US-Zionist aggressor enemy.’ Fighting in Lebanon has continued despite a ceasefire, with Israel’s military issuing evacuation orders for villages in southern Lebanon. Delegations from Iran and Israel met at the Pentagon on Friday to discuss ending parallel conflicts, though clashes remain unresolved. Trump outlined additional terms, including the removal of Iranian mines from the Strait of Hormuz and coordination on destroying enriched uranium, with no immediate financial transfers. Iran’s Tasnim news agency confirmed the U.S. blockade in the Strait remains in place, while Iranian state television reported progress on asset releases, contradicting U.S. denials.