Middle east live: Pentagon chief says US 'more than capable' of restarting war with Iran
Pete Hegseth said the US could restart attacks on Iran if talks fail. The live blog also tracked fresh fighting in Lebanon and US-backed Israel-Lebanon military talks.
Intelligence analysis by GPT-5.4 Mini
France 24's live blog says Washington is keeping military pressure on Tehran while negotiations continue, with Hegseth stressing US readiness and Trump insisting on strict conditions. The same update package shows the wider regional front worsening around Lebanon and Hezbollah.
A big argument is happening between countries in the Middle East. The US says it is ready to fight Iran again if a deal about Iran's nuclear plans does not work out.
At the same time, fighting near Lebanon is getting worse. It is like a neighborhood dispute where shouting has turned into broken windows, and everyone nearby has to worry about getting hurt.
The story matters because when powerful countries and armies move at once, the problem can spread fast. That can affect safety, peace talks, and the whole region.
Analysis
US pressure on Iran
France 24 reports that Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said the United States is "more than capable" of restarting attacks on Iran if a deal cannot be reached. He framed the US position as a matter of readiness and stockpiles, and said President Donald Trump wants to make sure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.
The live blog also says a White House official described Trump as willing to accept only an agreement that meets his "red lines" after a two-hour Situation Room meeting. That suggests the talks remain active, but the gap between Washington and Tehran is still wide.
Fighting around Lebanon
The same live updates show the conflict spreading across the Israeli-Lebanese border zone. Netanyahu said Israeli forces had crossed the Litani River in southern Lebanon, while the Israeli army ordered residents of several villages in Nabatiyeh to evacuate. Israel also said it intercepted projectiles fired from Lebanon, though one hit near Kiryat Shmona.
Lebanon's health ministry said Israeli strikes in the Tyre area killed 11 people, including a rescuer, and wounded eight others. Separately, US officials said military officials from Israel and Lebanon held what they called productive talks in Washington, the first such meeting in decades. Taken together, the live blog shows diplomacy and war pressure moving at the same time, with little sign of de-escalation.
Key points
- Pete Hegseth said the US is "more than capable" of restarting attacks on Iran if negotiations fail.
- A White House official said Trump will only accept a deal that satisfies his red lines.
- The live blog reported new Israeli strikes and evacuation orders in southern Lebanon.
- Israel said it intercepted projectiles launched from Lebanon, with one hit near Kiryat Shmona.
- US-hosted military talks between Israel and Lebanon were described as productive.
