US warns it can resume war with Iran as Trump struggles to secure fragile ceasefire deal

The US has signaled its readiness to resume military action against Iran if diplomatic efforts to extend a fragile ceasefire fail, according to remarks made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore. Hegseth emphasized that American military capabilities remain intact and operational despite recent tensions, underscoring Washington’s willingness to escalate if negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program do not yield an acceptable outcome. A proposed framework agreement, still under review by President Donald Trump, would extend the current ceasefire by 60 days, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted commercial shipping, and create space for further talks on Iran’s nuclear activities. The deal aims to address global oil supply disruptions caused by months of conflict and shipping restrictions in the Gulf region, where the Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy trade. Trump faces pressure from both domestic and foreign policy fronts: oil market instability risks political fallout ahead of midterm elections, while hardline Republicans, including long-time Iran critics in Congress, oppose any concessions resembling the 2015 nuclear accord abandoned by Trump in his first term. The president has insisted any agreement must permanently block Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons while securing unrestricted access to the Strait of Hormuz and eliminating maritime threats. Iranian officials have rejected suggestions of a final deal, maintaining that their nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and demanding sanctions relief and reciprocal concessions. Key unresolved issues include the fate of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, the scope of sanctions relief, and the long-term status of shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts warn that while a ceasefire extension could prevent immediate escalation, it would not resolve the deeper strategic dispute fueling the conflict. Recent military exchanges and mutual accusations of ceasefire violations highlight the fragility of the negotiations. The Pentagon’s warning serves as a reminder that the military option remains a viable threat, even as both sides express interest in avoiding full-scale conflict. The administration now faces the challenge of balancing diplomacy with deterrence while navigating political and strategic pressures at home and abroad.