The US is ready to restart attacks on Iran if a deal cannot be reached, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, as negotiators from Washington and Tehran worked to bridge major differences blocking an agreement, according to Reuters.

“Our ability to recommence if necessary…we are more than capable,” Hegseth said in Singapore.

“Our stockpiles are more than suited for that, both there and around the globe, so we’re in a very good place,” he added.

Hegseth, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier forum for defence leaders, militaries and diplomats, said the US has not turned its back on the Asia-Pacific region despite being engaged in conflict with Iran.