- The US defense secretary reiterated on Sunday that the United States hopes for a diplomatic resolution to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, but should diplomacy fail, the military is prepared “to go deep and to go big.” US and Iranian diplomats commenced indirect discussions in Oman on Saturday, aiming to address Western concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the initial, tentative contacts in Oman as “productive” and “a positive step” during an appearance on CBS’s “Face the Nation.” He stated that while President Donald Trump hopes to avoid resorting to military action, “We’ve demonstrated the capacity to extend far, penetrate deeply, and execute substantial operations.” “Again, our preference is to avoid such measures, but if necessary, we will act to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear bomb.” Trump asserted on Wednesday that military intervention, in collaboration with Israel, was “absolutely” a possibility if the Oman talks were unsuccessful. “If military action is required, we will engage militarily,” he told reporters. “Israel will undoubtedly play a significant role, taking the lead.” This followed a stark warning in late March that “if they do not reach an agreement, there will be bombings.” Trump withdrew the United States from a prior multinational nuclear agreement with Iran in 2018, during his first presidential term. Analysts suggest that Iran may now be mere weeks away from producing a deliverable nuclear weapon, although Tehran denies any intention to develop such weapons.
