US military remains on alert after Iran strike postponed, says Pentagon chief

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Monday that American forces remain on high alert and ready to act, stressing that President Donald Trump’s decision to postpone a strike on Iran has not affected military preparedness.

Hegseth stated on his X account that the Pentagon is maintaining readiness levels not seen since World War II, confirming that the US military is fully prepared for any developments.

Earlier, President Trump announced a new round of talks with Iranian representatives after temporarily calling off further strikes on Iran. Speaking to reporters Sunday evening aboard Air Force One while traveling from New Jersey to Washington, Trump said negotiations would begin Monday, without specifying the location, duration, or participants.

Regional pressure and negotiation developments

Trump reiterated that the US military canceled plans for a new wave of strikes on Iran at the last minute in response to appeals from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Iran. He said the planned attack would have been the largest since World War II and "catastrophic" for Iran, but he called off the strikes after US allies indicated a deal could soon be reached, citing positive signals from Tehran.

Iran and the United States agreed in mid-June on a framework aimed at ending the conflict that began in late February. So far, there has been no official confirmation from Iran about the imminent conclusion of a final agreement.

Iranian positions and exchanged messages

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the memorandum of understanding with the United States will be central to Tehran’s foreign relations in the future, adding on X that the agreement will enhance security for the country and the region.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Iranian-Omani talks are nearing completion, while the Iranian Foreign Ministry clarified that the agreement on the new Hormuz route does not involve opening or closing the strait, but rather a new path to be agreed upon by both sides.

Trump had repeatedly threatened to escalate the war launched with Israel against Iran in late February, but noted that allowing more time for negotiations was necessary, even though a comprehensive agreement has yet to be reached.