What Hegseth’s comments at Shangri-La Dialogue say about US foreign policy

During a cabinet meeting, President Trump threatened to "blow up" Oman, a US ally, if it did not "behave" regarding the Strait of Hormuz. This statement followed reports of discussions between Iran and Oman about jointly charging tolls for ships passing through the waterway. Trump asserted the strait would remain open to everyone and that Oman would comply. The article also reports on ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire, US strikes on Iranian targets, and retaliatory attacks. In Iran, internet restrictions were partially lifted, revealing public anger over rising food prices. The conflict has displaced over a million people in Lebanon, with thousands killed on both sides. Separately, the UN warned of a record hot year by 2030 due to intensifying climate change.

On day 92 of the Iran conflict, prospects for a US-Iran agreement remain uncertain as President Trump prepares to make a "final determination" on a deal. Iranian officials maintain that negotiations are ongoing but no final agreement has been reached, emphasizing that Tehran will judge any potential easing of restrictions by actions, not words, and will not act unless Washington does first. Meanwhile, fighting continues in the region, with Israeli forces reportedly advancing beyond Lebanon's Litani River. US Central Command stated its forces are vigilant across the region, and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged allies to increase defense spending while reiterating the US commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. The US Department of Defense also described military-to-military talks between Israeli and Lebanese delegations in Washington as "productive."

During a White House cabinet meeting on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump made remarks that appeared to be a threat against Oman. When questioned about a potential short-term deal allowing Iran and Oman to control the Strait of Hormuz, Trump stated that Oman must "behave" or he would "blow them up." He emphasized that the strait is international waters and that Oman, like others, must ensure it remains open. The article notes that Oman is a US ally that has attempted to mediate regional conflicts and has itself faced attacks from Tehran. The White House did not immediately clarify if Trump had intended to refer to Iran instead of Oman. The State Department later shared a clip and transcript of Trump's comments regarding Oman without correction.

US President Donald Trump is reportedly "mandatorily requesting" regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan, to establish formal relations with Israel as part of a potential deal with Iran. This proposal has emerged amid criticism from pro-Israel advocates regarding a possible agreement with Iran. Some hawkish figures, who previously opposed any deal that didn't significantly weaken Iran, have softened their stance following Trump's push for expanded normalization with Israel, similar to the Abraham Accords. Trump stated that these countries should "simultaneously, sign onto the Abraham Accords." While the article notes that none of the mentioned countries have responded, it also highlights that many have historically refused normalization due to the Palestinian cause. This diplomatic maneuver is seen by some as an attempt to frame the ongoing war against Iran as a success.

Despite US bombings of Iranian targets, Iran remains engaged in peace talks mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. Iran's foreign ministry condemned the attacks, which targeted missile launchers and mine-laying efforts in the Strait of Hormuz, as a violation of the ceasefire but announced no specific reprisals. The US action killed four Iranian soldiers. Negotiations are focused on unlocking over $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets and securing sanctions relief for Iran's oil exports. A separate agreement aims to lift the blockade of Iranian oil ports and restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Hardliners in both countries are pressuring negotiators, but Iran's chief negotiator is reportedly focused on the frozen assets as the last major dispute.

US media reports suggest a potential deal with Iran could be finalized on Monday, involving a 60-day ceasefire extension and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This agreement, however, is not a final settlement and defers complex issues like sanctions relief and Iran's nuclear ambitions to later negotiations. Communication difficulties with Iran's supreme leader, reportedly injured in an earlier strike, have slowed talks. The reported deal has divided Republicans, with some criticizing it as too lenient. President Trump, however, stated he would not listen to critics and would make a "good and proper" deal, reiterating that Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons. The conflict began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, leading to retaliatory attacks and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which sent oil prices soaring.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth outlined America's geopolitical goals, focusing on China's military buildup and its implications for regional stability. Hegseth expressed alarm over China's growing military presence and urged US allies to increase their defense spending to counter this power. Regarding Taiwan, he stated there was "no change in our status," but acknowledged that President Trump would make the final decision on a potential $14 billion arms sale. Hegseth also emphasized the need for allies to contribute more to defense, stating, "The era of the United States subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations is over." He also addressed Iran, warning of renewed US attacks if a satisfactory deal to end the ongoing war is not reached.

At an Asian security summit in Singapore, US Defense Secretary Hegseth reassured allies that the US remains committed to the region, emphasizing a "strong, quiet and clear" approach backed by hard power. He stated the US is not "turning back" on its Asian partners but expects them to increase their defense spending, suggesting a target of 3.5% of GDP. Hegseth downplayed concerns about the US's ability to fulfill arms deals, asserting a strong munitions stockpile and production capacity, despite a recent suspension of a package to Taiwan. He argued for increased combat power over "empty globalist rhetoric," calling for more ships and submarines rather than additional conferences. This comes as Vietnam's President called for more dialogue to resolve regional tensions.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is delivering a keynote speech at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, a forum for discussing regional security challenges. His address is anticipated to signal US policy direction in the Indo-Pacific following President Trump's recent summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Hegseth is expected to cover US commitments in the Asia-Pacific, including issues related to the South China Sea and Taiwan, as well as AI rivalry and the US conflict with Iran. The event, attended by defense ministers, military chiefs, and diplomats from various nations, is the 23rd edition and will provide insights into American alliances and regional security. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun is notably absent for the second consecutive year.

Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, is in Tehran for mediation efforts aimed at ending the ongoing war between Israel and the United States, which began on February 28. This marks Munir's second trip to Iran for such purposes, following previous Pakistani mediation that secured a temporary ceasefire and hosted high-level US-Iran talks. During his current visit, Munir is expected to discuss Iran-US negotiations, regional peace, and other significant issues. Iranian officials acknowledge deep gaps between Tehran and Washington, stating that while the focus is on ending the war, an agreement is not necessarily close. The European Union is also considering sanctions against Iran over the Hormuz blockade.

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that a peace deal with Iran has been "largely negotiated," potentially ending a war initiated by the US and Israel in February. The agreement, described as a Memorandum of Understanding, is subject to finalization and will include the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. This development follows calls Trump made with Pakistani mediators, Gulf allies, and Israel. A Pakistani source indicated that Iran and Pakistan had submitted a revised proposal to the US aimed at ending the war and reopening the strait. Regional officials suggest the potential deal involves a formal declaration of war's end, negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, and the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports. Trump indicated that final aspects and details are still being discussed and will be announced shortly.

Officials report that Iran and the United States are nearing a deal to end the ongoing war in the Middle East, with Pakistan leading mediation efforts. Significant progress has been made in talks, though last-minute disputes remain a possibility. The potential agreement includes an official declaration of the war's end, followed by two months of negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. Key provisions also involve the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the cessation of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged some progress, while Iran described the draft as a "framework agreement" for further discussions. Both nations have emphasized their core positions and warned against resuming hostilities.

Donald Trump posted an image on Truth Social showing the US flag superimposed over a map of Iran, with the caption "United States of the Middle East?". This occurred on Saturday, May 23, 2026, amidst ongoing "delicate diplomacy" and indications of progress in talks between the US and Iran regarding a ceasefire. Experts noted the post's potential to disrupt negotiations, contrasting with previous statements from the Trump administration about not seeking occupation or outright regime change in Iran. Simultaneously, US and Iranian officials suggested a new deal was nearing finalization, with both sides indicating converging opinions on a memorandum of understanding. The article also mentions Trump's previous threats and subsequent pauses in fighting, as well as his broader foreign policy efforts to increase US influence abroad.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported "slight progress" in talks with Iran, amid ongoing uncertainty about whether a deal will be reached or war will resume. This comes after President Trump stated he was holding off on military strikes due to "serious negotiations." Rubio's comments preceded a NATO foreign ministers meeting where the alliance might discuss policing the Strait of Hormuz post-war. Despite claims of progress, a deal has not materialized, and Trump has a history of shifting deadlines and actions. Tensions have surfaced between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu over the negotiations. Meanwhile, Pakistan is actively involved in de-escalation efforts, with its interior minister visiting Tehran twice. Major sticking points persist, including Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. blockades. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have also reportedly conducted separate attacks on Iran and Iranian-backed militias in Iraq.

Iran hosted a Pakistani delegation, including Army Chief Syed Asim Munir, in Tehran on Saturday amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed US strikes. Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that Iran would not compromise on its "legitimate rights" and warned of a more severe response if the US resumes hostilities. The US was reportedly considering fresh strikes, while Iran indicated it was in the "final stage" of drafting a deal framework. Pakistan has been mediating talks, focusing on a 14-point peace proposal and messages between the parties. Mediators believe they are close to extending a 60-day ceasefire and establishing a framework for talks on Iran's nuclear program.

Iran has announced an expansion of its claimed military control over the Strait of Hormuz, publishing a map asserting "armed forces oversight" across more than 22,000 sq km of the waterway. This expanded claim extends into the territorial waters of Oman and the UAE. Iran's newly established "Persian Gulf Strait Authority" stated that all transit through the strait requires its coordination and authorization. The UAE has rejected these claims, calling them "fragments of dreams" and asserting its maritime sovereignty. The US and Gulf allies have consistently opposed Iran's attempts to control the strait, with the US advising ships not to comply with Iran's regulations. Iran has not ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which guarantees safe passage.

Iran has submitted a new 14-point proposal to the United States via Pakistan, aiming for a permanent end to the ongoing war. This plan is reportedly a response to a prior nine-point US proposal that focused on a two-month ceasefire. Iran's latest offer emphasizes resolving all issues within 30 days, seeking guarantees for a lasting peace. President Trump is currently reviewing the proposal but has expressed uncertainty about reaching a deal, citing mistrust between the two nations. The conflict, which began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran in February, has involved a naval war in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran imposing a de facto blockade and the US maintaining a naval blockade of Iranian ports, despite a ceasefire initiated on April 8. Key US demands include Iran ending its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and addressing its nuclear capabilities.

US President Donald Trump is reviewing a 14-point peace proposal from Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Speaking in Florida, Trump confirmed he had been briefed on the proposal, which reportedly includes lifting the US naval blockade, war reparations, and asset release. However, he issued a warning that air strikes could resume if Iran "misbehaves," indicating a continued tough stance. Trump suggested Iran is seeking a settlement due to its weakened state from conflict and the blockade. The diplomatic overture follows a fragile three-week truce that began on April 7th, with Iran seeking a 30-day window to finalize terms, a timeline potentially at odds with US preferences.

President Trump stated he will review a new 14-point peace proposal from Iran, delivered via Pakistan, but expressed skepticism. He believes Iran has not yet "paid a big enough price" for its actions. This proposal reportedly includes US troop withdrawal from surrounding areas, lifting the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, releasing frozen assets, compensation, and ending the war on all fronts. Iran's deputy foreign minister indicated the decision for diplomacy or confrontation rests with the US. Washington insists on a deal preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies. The US has also warned shipping companies against paying Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

President Donald Trump stated that he is "not satisfied" with Iran's latest peace proposal to end the ongoing war, which was conveyed through Pakistani mediators. Trump indicated that Iran is requesting terms he cannot accept, and expressed uncertainty about reaching a deal. He warned of potential military action if negotiations fail. The conflict, which began in late February, has resulted in thousands of deaths and a global energy crisis, with a ceasefire currently in its third week. International efforts are focused on achieving a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route.

On day 60 of the Iran war, diplomacy is gaining momentum as the US reviews an Iranian peace proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This plan coincides with potential delays to nuclear talks. Iran's Foreign Minister met with Russian President Putin, indicating Tehran is considering resuming negotiations amidst ongoing tensions. Dozens of nations have urged the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route. Iran asserts its armed forces would control the Strait under a proposed law and blames the US for stalled talks, condemning the capture of two Iranian-linked oil tankers as "high seas robbery." Critics question the Iran nuclear expertise of Trump's negotiating team, despite their access to the President.

Russia's political support for Iran and its stance against military escalation are more significant than military aid in the current conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel. This position, solidified by a 2025 treaty, prioritizes peace over short-term gains like rising oil prices, which Russia recognizes as insufficient for economic restructuring amid Western sanctions. Moscow's strategic focus is on conflict resolution and mitigating negative consequences such as humanitarian crises, global economic slowdowns, and financial instability. Iran views Russia's stance as beneficial, having successfully withstood attacks and secured a favorable diplomatic position with limited international support for the US and Israel. European allies have shown reluctance to engage militarily, perceiving little benefit in the conflict.