US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Photo courtesy of Anadolu.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington had prepared for all possible scenarios in its approach to Iran.
Speaking to reporters in Colorado, Hegseth stressed that President Donald Trump preferred a diplomatic solution.
He added that the US military had contingency plans in case Iran refused to reach an agreement.
Hegseth said Iran should take the opportunity to make a deal, noting that this outcome was what the president preferred.
When asked if military strikes remained an option, he said that everything was being considered and that the US was ready to act if needed.
Trump rejected media reports claiming that Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine had advised against military action, calling the stories false.
The president emphasized that any decision on military action rested solely with him. He said he preferred a deal but warned of serious consequences if negotiations failed.
Delegations from Iran and the United States were scheduled to meet in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday to continue discussions for a potential nuclear deal.