10
Loading video...
By Amir Daftari
News Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said that while the U.S. hopes diplomacy will prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, the military is prepared to "go far, deep and big" if negotiations collapse.
The warning follows high-level talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Oman on Saturday. Hegseth described the meeting as "a good step," but stressed that America is not naïve about the stakes.
Newsweek has reached out to the Pentagon and Iran's foreign ministry.
Read More on News
Why It Matters
The Trump administration is pursuing a renewed diplomatic track with Iran while keeping military options on the table, signaling a strategic shift after years of stalled negotiations.
The approach highlights mounting concern in the U.S. and Israel over Iran's nuclear ambitions and the broader implications for regional stability. With tensions high, officials see the coming talks as pivotal in determining the path forward.
...
What to Know
Appearing on CBS' Face the Nation, Hegseth emphasized that the administration is fully prepared to act if diplomacy fails. "We've shown a capability to go far, deep and big," he said. "Again, we don't want to do that, but if we have to, we will to prevent the nuclear bomb in Iran's hands."
Tentative Breakthrough
Saturday's talks in Oman were the first between Iran and a Trump administration, including the president's earlier 2017–2021 term. Officials from both sides described the tone of the meeting as "productive, calm and positive." The session was led by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
While no specifics were disclosed, the meeting marked a shift in tone after years of confrontation. President Donald Trump, who withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, has since taken a "maximum pressure" stance toward Tehran.
...
Partnership with Israel
After Saturday's diplomatic meeting, Trump said he would make a decision on Iran "very quickly" following briefings with his national security team.
Earlier in the week, he emphasized that military force remains "absolutely" an option and highlighted Israel's role in any potential escalation. "If it requires military, we're going to have military," he said. "Israel will obviously be very much involved in that, be the leader of that."
What People Are Saying
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned: "President Trump hopes to never have to resort to a military option, but we are not naïve about the stakes."
U.S. President Donald Trump said: "We'll be making a decision on Iran very quickly."
Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated: "Both sides, including the Americans, have said that their goal is also to reach an agreement in the shortest possible time. However, that will certainly not be an easy task."
What Happens Next
Negotiators are expected to reconvene in Rome next weekend for a second round of talks. All eyes will be on whether the diplomatic momentum holds—or gives way to confrontation.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines