U.S. and Iranian diplomats began indirect talks on Saturday in Oman, aiming to address international concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
On Sunday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called the initial discussions “productive” and “a good step forward.” Speaking to Fox News, he emphasized that while President Donald Trump hopes to avoid military action, the U.S. is fully prepared if necessary.
“We’ve shown the ability to go far, go deep, and go big,” Hegseth said. “We don’t want to, but if it comes to that, we will act to stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.”
President Trump echoed those sentiments earlier in the week, stating that military intervention is “absolutely” on the table if diplomacy fails.
“If it requires military, we’re going to have military,” Trump told reporters. “Israel will be heavily involved and likely take the lead.”
In late March, Trump issued a stark warning: “If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing.”
During his first term in office, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 multinational nuclear agreement with Iran, a move that continues to shape current negotiations.