Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations with Iran during remarks at the 2026 Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, stating that “any deal will be a good deal” under current circumstances. Hegseth revealed that he had spoken with President Donald Trump earlier in the day and emphasized that the administration remains focused on securing an agreement that permanently prevents Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

The comments come as diplomatic efforts continue following months of heightened tensions, military confrontations, and strategic pressure campaigns that dramatically altered the balance of power between Washington and Tehran. Administration officials have consistently argued that Iran entered negotiations from a significantly weaker position than in previous years, giving the United States greater leverage to pursue terms that align with American national security interests.

While signaling optimism, Hegseth also reinforced the administration’s position that military readiness remains an essential component of the strategy. Supporters of President Trump view the combination of military strength, economic pressure, and direct diplomacy as a key factor behind the current negotiations, arguing that the approach has increased the chances of securing a durable agreement while ensuring the United States remains prepared to respond if talks fail to produce acceptable results.