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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

US Warns of Renewed War as Iran Deal Remains Elusive

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • The U.S. warned it is capable of resuming war with Iran if necessary, following President Trump's declaration that any peace deal must meet his conditions.
  • Weeks of mixed signals in negotiations have led to uncertainty, with Tehran denying a final agreement on ending the conflict.
  • U.S. strikes on Iran's Bandar Abbas port and Iran's retaliatory fire have complicated diplomatic efforts, though talks continue.

The United States has issued a stern warning of its readiness to restart hostilities with Iran, as President Donald Trump insists any peace deal must adhere to his non-negotiable terms, notably that Tehran must never develop nuclear weapons.

Recent weeks have seen a flurry of contradictory signals from the White House regarding a potential initial deal, leaving the global economy on edge. While U.S. sources had indicated to AFP that a deal was imminent and awaiting Trump's approval, the president had not made a final decision after a lengthy meeting on Friday.

Our ability to recommence if necessary is (that) we are more than capable, our stockpiles are more than suited for that, both there and around the globe because of how we balance exquisite and more plentiful munitions.

— Pete HegsethPentagon chief Pete Hegseth stated Washington's capability to restart war with Iran.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, attending a defense summit in Singapore, stated on Saturday that Washington possesses the capability to recommence war if required. "Our ability to recommence if necessary is (that) we are more than capable, our stockpiles are more than suited for that, both there and around the globe because of how we balance exquisite and more plentiful munitions," he said. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reinforced this, posting on X that American forces "remain present and vigilant across the region."

American forces “remain present and vigilant across the region.”

— U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)Posted on X, reinforcing U.S. military presence in the region.

Diplomatic efforts, mediated by Pakistan, have faced significant hurdles. This week saw U.S. strikes on the southern Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, met with retaliatory fire from Iran. Despite these escalations, diplomatic channels remain open, including parallel processes aimed at halting the fighting in Lebanon, a condition Iran insists must be part of any formal end to the war.

Trump's core demands for any agreement include Iran's permanent renunciation of nuclear weapons development and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. A White House official stated after the meeting that "President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his red lines."

President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his red lines.

— White House officialFollowing President Trump's meeting on the Iran deal.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei pushed back against Trump's demands, asserting that Iran "said goodbye to the language of ‘must’ 47 years ago." While exchanges continue, he confirmed that "no final agreement has been reached yet."

Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon.

— White House officialStating a key U.S. condition for any deal with Iran.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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