The United States signalled both military readiness and diplomatic caution on Saturday as Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said Washington was fully prepared to resume war with Iran if necessary, while President Donald Trump delayed a final decision on a tentative ceasefire deal.
The developments came amid renewed Israel-Hezbollah exchanges, fresh US action against Iranian procurement networks and continued uncertainty over regional security talks. Follow our live coverage for the latest updates.06:38 AM, 30 May 2026US 'more than capable' of resuming war with Iran: HegsethThe United States has more than sufficient stockpiles of weapons and is "more than capable" of resuming the war with Iran, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said in Singapore on Saturday."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," Hegseth told Asia's premier defence summit.Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.05:11 AM, 30 May 2026Israeli military says projectiles launched from Lebanon at IsraelThe Israeli military said on Saturday that it had intercepted several projectiles launched from Lebanon, where it is fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah, but that one had hit near a town in northern Israel."Several projectiles launched from Lebanon toward Israeli territory were identified," the military said in a statement, adding no injuries had been reported."The majority of the projectiles were intercepted, and a hit was identified in the area of Kiryat Shmona," it said.05:06 AM, 30 May 2026Pentagon chief says US seeks 'stable equilibrium' in AsiaPentagon chief Pete Hegseth said on Saturday that the United States sought a "stable equilibrium" in Asia, adding that no country - "including China" - should be able to establish unquestioned dominance over the region."What we seek... is a genuinely stable equilibrium that works for Americans as well as our allies - a favourable but durable balance of power in which no state, including China, can impose its hegemony and hold the security or prosperity of our nation and our allies in question," Hegseth said at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.05:03 AM, 30 May 2026Hegseth says 'rightful alarm' over China military buildup in AsiaThere is "rightful alarm" across the Pacific region over China's military build-up, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said on Saturday, adding that Washington did not seek "needless confrontation in the region"."When we look across the region today, there is rightful alarm regarding China's historic military build-up and the expansion of its military activities in the region and beyond," Hegseth told Asia's premier defence summit in Singapore.05:00 AM, 30 May 2026US sanctions Iranian buyers of military technology
