US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth answers the question 'Is the ceasefire with Iran over?': Overwhelming and devastating American fire

Stating that the operation launched for the passage of ships from neutral countries in the Strait of Hormuz is "separate and temporary" from other attacks against Iran, Hegseth said that in this context, "all six ships that attempted to break the blockade by leaving Iranian ports were turned back."

IS THE CEASEFIRE WITH IRAN OVER?

"The ceasefire with Iran has not ended. We are still at the level of low-intensity conflict at this stage," said Hegseth, threatening that if the Tehran administration attacks US troops or commercial vessels during this process, it will face "overwhelming and devastating American fire."

The US Secretary of Defense assessed, "There will be no need for American forces to enter Iranian waters or airspace (during this temporary process); this is not necessary. We are not seeking a conflict. However, Iran can never be allowed to prevent innocent countries and their goods from using an international waterway."

Emphasizing that the "Freedom Project" is continuing at full speed, Hegseth argued that trade flow will be restored thanks to this operation.

Noting that control of the Strait of Hormuz does not lie with Iran, Hegseth said, "There will be no need for the US to enter Iranian airspace or waters as part of the process of opening the Strait of Hormuz." US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Caine stated that Iran has opened fire nine times on commercial ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz since the ceasefire was declared and has seized two container ships.

Caine stated, "Joint forces (the US military) are standing by to resume large-scale combat operations against Iran if ordered to do so."