[75842] US Secretary of Defense: Productive talks with Iran and commitment to preventing nuclear weapons

Developments in contacts between the US and Iran: Statements by the Secretary of Defense

In a series of statements made during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, confirmed that the contacts between Washington and Tehran were "productive." According to reports on Al Jazeera and Syria TV, Hegseth emphasized that President Donald Trump is determined to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and noted that the President will not sign any deal "unless it is in the interest of our country."

Hegseth clarified that the goals of the US regarding Tehran remain unchanged. In a quote provided in Wahed Al-Iraq and Al-Mamlaka Channel, it was noted that the US is "fully capable of resuming the war" with Iran in the event that an agreement is not reached. The Reuters agency added that the US is prepared to resume attacks if negotiations fail.

On the local front, the Nabatieh channel reported on remarks attributed to President Trump, according to which "the naval blockade on Iran will be lifted now," provided that Tehran agrees to never possess a nuclear weapon or bomb. Asharq News summarized the Secretary's position by stating that "any deal with Iran would be a good deal," while emphasizing the US's global commitment.

Beyond the Iranian issue, the Secretary also addressed tensions with China. According to Al-Mamlaka Channel, Hegseth declared that the US will not allow China to impose its "hegemony in Asia," and that the Chinese military constitutes a "legitimate concern." Additionally, it was reported on Al-Qahera News that the US will grant additional loans to Ukraine during 2027 to assist it in its self-defense.