Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth said the United States possesses sufficient military capabilities and munitions stockpiles to restart operations if required, while emphasizing that the administration remains committed to pursuing a diplomatic settlement.

“Our ability to recommence if necessary ,we are more than capable,” Hegseth said, adding that US military inventories are adequately positioned both in the region and globally.The remarks come as negotiators from Washington and Tehran continue efforts to overcome key differences that have stalled a broader agreement aimed at extending an early-April ceasefire and establishing a permanent framework to end hostilities.

Hegseth said President Donald Trump remains committed to securing what he described as a strong agreement that would prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Trump said on Friday he would convene advisers in a secure White House facility to make a final decision on a proposal that would extend the current truce by an additional 60 days.

The conflict, launched by the United States and Israel on February 28, has resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, while disrupting global energy markets through the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.

Despite the Middle East conflict, Hegseth rejected suggestions that Washington’s strategic focus had shifted away from the Indo-Pacific. He said the United States is expanding its defense-industrial capacity to increase weapons production and maintain readiness across multiple theaters simultaneously.

At the same forum, Hegseth urged Asian allies to increase defense spending in response to China’s growing military capabilities, describing Beijing’s military expansion as a source of concern for regional security.

He argued that a stronger network of capable regional partners is necessary to preserve the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific and deter potential aggression. Hegseth warned that dominance by any single power would undermine regional stability and prosperity.

Echoing a longstanding position of the Trump administration, Hegseth said allies should assume greater responsibility for their own defense and reduce dependence on US military support.“The era of the United States subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations is over,” he said, adding that strong alliances require all partners to contribute meaningfully to collective security.

Hegseth cited defense contributions from countries including South Korea, Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, while highlighting efforts by Japan to strengthen its military capabilities and deepen cooperation with Washington.

In a post on social media, Trump said U.S. naval forces would block “any and all ships” attempting to enter or leave the waterway, which carries roughly 20% of global oil supplies and is central to international energy markets.

He added that the Navy had been instructed to “seek and interdict every vessel in international waters” that had paid a toll to Iran, describing such payments as illegal and warning that affected ships would not be granted safe passage.

The announcement came shortly after U.S. officials ended negotiations with Iran in Pakistan without reaching an agreement, prompting Washington to escalate efforts to curtail Tehran’s economic leverage derived from control over the strategic shipping lane.

Trump said Iran’s nuclear ambitions remained a key obstacle to resolving the conflict and signaled readiness for further military action. “At an appropriate moment, we are fully ‘locked and loaded,’” he wrote, adding that U.S. forces would “finish” the remaining aspects of the war.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, and any disruption to shipping through the narrow passage has the potential to impact oil prices and international trade flows.

No immediate response from Iranian authorities was reported.

US officials have reiterated that all options remain on the table in dealing with Tehran, underscoring concerns over Iran’s internal stability, its regional activities, and the potential implications for broader Middle East security. The movement of a major US naval asset is widely viewed as both a signal of deterrence and a message of preparedness, aimed at reinforcing American presence amid uncertainty.

Saudi sources have firmly denied any attempts to influence decision-making in Washington regarding possible action against Iran. Officials in Riyadh have rejected reports suggesting that the Kingdom advised the US against military strikes, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia is closely monitoring developments without lobbying for a specific outcome. This stance reflects a careful diplomatic posture as regional actors seek to avoid further escalation.

A senior Saudi official based in the United States described claims of Saudi intervention in US policy debates as inaccurate, stressing that Riyadh has not sought to steer Washington’s response. The official highlighted that the Kingdom’s priority remains regional stability and the reduction of risks that could spill across borders in an already volatile environment.

Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir, speaking earlier this week at a major business conference, acknowledged the gravity of the situation in Iran. While refraining from commenting directly on potential military action, he noted that the international community is watching events unfold very closely and expressed hope that tensions could be resolved in a way that minimizes damage and disruption.

Saudi analysts have echoed this position, emphasizing that Riyadh is not actively lobbying either for or against a strike. Commentator Ali Shihabi stated that Saudi Arabia has not taken part in discussions advocating military action, reinforcing the message that the Kingdom is maintaining a cautious and observant role as events develop.

At the same time, regional commentary has pointed to Iran’s own decisions as a critical factor in determining the path forward. Some analysts argue that Tehran holds the key to avoiding further escalation by addressing core issues related to its nuclear program and its external activities. Such steps, they suggest, could reduce the likelihood of foreign intervention at a moment of intense internal pressure.

The current unrest within Iran has been described by regional observers as one of the most serious challenges the Islamic Republic has faced in decades. Protests driven by economic hardship and political grievances have spread across the country, placing the leadership under unprecedented strain. Combined with external pressure, this has created a situation many describe as a defining moment for the regime.

As Washington deliberates its next steps, the broader Middle East remains on edge. Any decision by the US could have far-reaching consequences, affecting regional security, energy markets, and diplomatic relations. Allies and adversaries alike are assessing signals from Washington, Tehran, and other key capitals, aware that miscalculation could trigger wider instability.

For now, anticipation dominates the regional mood. With US military assets moving into position and diplomatic statements carefully calibrated, the coming days are likely to prove critical. Whether the situation de-escalates through restraint and dialogue or intensifies through confrontation will depend on choices made in multiple capitals, as the region waits for clarity on Washington’s ultimate course of action.

The Kremlin said Russia is prepared to play a mediating role to reduce tensions and promote dialogue across the Middle East.

The calls come at a sensitive moment as Iran faces widespread unrest following a harsh crackdown on nationwide protests.

International concern has grown after reports of violence arrests and heightened security measures across Iranian cities.

According to the Kremlin Putin outlined ideas aimed at strengthening regional stability during his discussion with Netanyahu.

He emphasized Russia’s willingness to continue mediation efforts involving all relevant regional and international actors.

Russia’s leadership believes diplomatic engagement is essential to avoid further escalation in an already volatile region.

Officials say Moscow views dialogue as the most effective tool to prevent conflict and protect long term regional balance.

In his separate conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian Putin addressed developments inside Iran.

The Kremlin said a detailed readout of that call would be released at a later time.

Russia has steadily deepened its relationship with Iran in recent years.

This includes a 20 year strategic partnership agreement signed by Putin and Pezeshkian last year.

Moscow sees Iran as a key regional partner particularly after shifts in Middle Eastern power dynamics.

The loss of Syria as a close ally following political upheaval has heightened Russia’s strategic concerns.

Any serious threat to Iran’s leadership is viewed in Moscow as a destabilizing factor for the region.

Russian officials fear further disruptions could weaken their broader influence in the Middle East.

Tensions have been fueled by recent history between Iran Israel and the United States.

Last year Israeli and US forces struck Iranian nuclear sites escalating already strained relations.

Iran and Israel also fought a brief but intense 12 day conflict that raised fears of wider war.

These developments continue to shape regional security calculations for all major players.

The United States has warned it may intervene if violence linked to Iran’s crackdown continues.

Such statements have increased anxiety across the region and among global powers.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia is already contributing to regional stability.

He credited Putin’s diplomatic efforts with helping de escalate tensions beyond Iran alone.

Russia maintains that its role is not limited to supporting one country.

Officials argue Moscow is acting in the interest of broader peace and security.

Western nations continue to accuse Iran of secretly pursuing nuclear weapons.

Tehran denies the allegations and insists its nuclear program is strictly peaceful.

Russia supports Iran’s right to develop nuclear energy for civilian purposes.

Moscow has repeatedly stated that diplomacy is the only solution to nuclear disputes.

Putin’s outreach highlights Russia’s intent to remain a central diplomatic actor.

By engaging both Israel and Iran Moscow aims to position itself as a key mediator.

The coming weeks may test whether dialogue can prevent further escalation.

Regional stability now depends heavily on restraint diplomacy and international coordination.