As the conflict with Iran approaches its fourth month, U.S. officials affirm that diplomatic efforts remain active to secure an agreement ensuring Tehran neither possesses nor pursues nuclear weapons capability.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated Saturday that while negotiations have reached an advanced stage, the United States will not accept terms that fall short of protecting American interests and international security. “Any deal that the President is willing to make, he’s only going to make it if he believes it’s a great deal for our country and the security of the world,” Hegseth said.
Hegseth described President Trump as “laser focused” on achieving a comprehensive resolution and emphasized the administration’s willingness to extend negotiations as long as necessary. He underscored the President’s resolve, noting, “Having been in the room with him, I know he means it.” According to Hegseth, Trump has presented Iranian leadership with a clear choice: finalize an agreement while conditions are favorable, or face renewed military pressure through what he termed “the War Department.”
On Friday, President Donald Trump confirmed he was convening with national security advisers in the White House Situation Room to evaluate a proposed framework. Describing the negotiation dynamics, Trump remarked, “I’m playing it out, and we’re going to see… I negotiate, they negotiate. They’re very good negotiators. They’re crafty.”
Later that evening, Iranian officials publicly stated that no final agreement with the United States had been concluded. A pivotal issue in ongoing discussions involves the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway through which approximately one-fifth of global oil shipments passed prior to the conflict. Iranian representatives have called for joint management of the Strait by Iran and Oman, a U.S. partner nation.
President Trump has rejected the notion of exclusive control over the passage. Earlier in the week, he asserted that no single entity should dominate the Strait and indicated that Oman must “behave” in its approach to the matter, though he did not specify potential repercussions.
With both sides continuing to assess their positions, Defense Secretary Hegseth reiterated that the administration’s overarching objective remains preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons capability—through diplomacy if possible, but with military options remaining on the table should negotiations falter.
