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.

Taiwan Defence Minister Wellington Koo told parliament that Washington had established a dedicated project team to accelerate stalled programmes and bring deliveries back on schedule.

He said several systems had already begun arriving, while delayed components were being prioritised.A key delay has involved a 2019 order for 66 F-16V fighter jets built by Lockheed Martin, equipped with upgraded avionics and radar to counter advanced aircraft such as China’s Chengdu J-20.

Taiwan’s defence ministry said at the weekend that deliveries of the F-16V jets would begin this year, with production running at full capacity.Washington prioritises TaipeiThe United States has increased its focus on Taiwan within its defence export system.

Michael Miller, director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, said last week he had signed a directive in 2023 placing Taiwan at the top of the priority list for arms transfers.

Koo said Washington’s urgency reflects a shared goal of rapidly enhancing Taiwan’s self-defence capabilities, amid what Taipei views as an escalating military threat from Beijing.

The United States is legally bound to provide Taiwan with defensive means under longstanding legislation, though it maintains no formal diplomatic ties with the island. Arms sales remain a consistent point of friction with China, which claims Taiwan as its territory and has repeatedly demanded that such transfers cease.

Taiwan has in recent years voiced concern over repeated delays in U.S. weapons deliveries, even as it relies on Washington as its principal security partner and supplier of advanced military systems.