NPR News: 05-30-2026 3PM EDT

Nora Raum· Host0:01

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Nora Rom. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the White House is still pursuing a diplomatic agreement with Iran. Speaking in Singapore today, Hegseth said President Trump wants a deal that prevents Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. But he warned that military options remain available if the latest round of negotiations fail.

Pete Hegseth· Soundbite0:24

We were in a cabinet meeting just, uh, a couple of days ago, and the president said, "Hey, it will be a great deal, and if Iran doesn't wanna make a great deal, uh, that ensures they don't get a nuclear weapon, uh, they can deal with the guy on my left." And he was pointing at the War Department. And we're serious about that. We-- Our ability to recommence, if necessary, is, uh, we are more than capable. Our stockpiles are, are more than suited for that.

Nora Raum· Host0:46

The White House says negotiators are making progress, although officials on both sides acknowledge key differences remain. U.S. military officials said today that U.S. forces stopped a vessel from sailing toward Iran yesterday, enforcing a U.S. blockade in the Gulf of Oman. In a statement, U.S. Central Command says U.S. forces fired warning shots at the Gambia-flagged vessel. A U.S. aircraft then disabled it by firing a missile into the ship's engine room. The statement says the U.S. has disabled five commercial vehicles, vessels and redirected one hundred sixteen others as a ceasefire remains in effect. Russia has signed a military agreement with Afghanistan's