The United States has said it remains “more than capable” of resuming military action against Iran as negotiations over a potential peace agreement continue to hang in the balance following a high-level meeting at the White House.
US President Donald Trump met advisers for two hours in the Situation Room on Friday to review a tentative framework deal with Tehran. The talks ended without a final decision, according to a senior administration official, leaving the future of the agreement uncertain.
The proposed arrangement reportedly outlines a 60-day extension of a fragile ceasefire and opens the door to wider negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme. However, the deal still requires presidential approval, with Trump indicating he would only proceed if his key conditions are met.
“Iran must agree that they will never have a nuclear weapon or bomb. The Hormuz Strait must be immediately open, no tolls, for unrestricted shipping traffic,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that any final decision would depend on whether Tehran met his stated red lines.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced Washington’s military readiness while speaking at a defence summit in Asia. He said the United States retains significant global strike capacity and is fully prepared to act if diplomacy fails.
“We are more than capable, our stockpiles are more than suited for that, both there and around the globe,” Hegseth said, describing the current posture as “a very good place.”
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) also issued a statement on social media saying American forces “remain present and vigilant across the region.”
Iranian officials, meanwhile, said no agreement has been finalised. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said negotiations are focused on ending hostilities rather than resolving the full scope of Iran’s nuclear activities.
Iran has consistently rejected demands to halt its nuclear programme, insisting it is intended solely for peaceful purposes. Iranian officials have also expressed deep mistrust of US intentions, arguing that only concrete actions carry weight in negotiations.
“No step will be taken before the other side acts,” said Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, who added that “we do not gain concessions through talks, but through missiles.”
The standoff highlights persistent tensions between Washington and Tehran, with both sides accusing each other of violating the existing ceasefire. Despite the rhetoric, diplomatic channels remain open, and negotiations are continuing as both governments weigh their next moves.
