30/05/2026
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30/05/2026
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WASHINGTON, May 40: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Donald Trump has warned Iran that it must either accept a deal preventing it from acquiring a nuclear weapon or face a military response, as opposition to negotiations grows among Iranian hard-liners.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore on Friday, Hegseth recounted remarks Trump made during a recent cabinet meeting.
“We were in a cabinet meeting just a couple of days ago, and the president said, ‘Hey, it will be a great deal,’” Hegseth said. “And if Iran doesn’t want to make a great deal that ensures they don’t get a nuclear weapon, they can deal with the guy on my left,” referring to himself.
The comments come as reports suggest internal divisions are emerging in Iran over ongoing negotiations with Washington.
According to a report by The New York Times, a vocal faction of Iranian hard-liners is attempting to undermine efforts to reach a potential agreement with the United States. The report said hard-line figures in parliament, state media and the Supreme National Security Council have opposed concessions to Washington through public rallies, media campaigns and political pressure despite backing for the talks from Iran’s leadership.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reportedly criticized state television for portraying the negotiations as a failure and for fueling political divisions, while Iran’s negotiating team continues discussions with US officials.
The newspaper cited analysts and officials as saying that although the hard-line camp represents a minority view, it continues to wield influence within parts of Iran’s political establishment and among supporters of the Islamic Republic. The report also highlighted tensions between hard-line figures and members of the negotiating team over the future direction of talks with Washington.
The developments underscore the challenges facing both sides as efforts continue to reach an agreement on Iran’s nuclear program amid competing political pressures in Tehran and Washington
