WASHINGTON: The United States has signaled it is prepared to swiftly resume combat operations in the Middle East if Iran fails to agree to a peace settlement, senior officials said on Thursday.
Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington is giving Tehran a clear choice between diplomacy and escalation. He warned that failure to reach an agreement could result in intensified military action targeting key infrastructure, including energy and power facilities.
As part of mounting pressure, US forces have imposed a sweeping naval blockade aimed at restricting vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine stated that American forces are fully prepared to launch major operations “at a moment’s notice,” underscoring the heightened state of readiness across the region.
According to US officials, naval units have been instructed to intercept Iranian-flagged ships or any vessels suspected of assisting Iran. Ships attempting to defy the blockade would be warned and could face forceful action if they fail to comply. Enforcement measures, officials said, extend to both international waters and areas within Iran’s territorial seas.
Caine noted that several vessels have already altered course to avoid confrontation, with no direct boarding operations reported so far.
Meanwhile, the administration has expressed cautious optimism about a potential agreement to de-escalate tensions, while continuing to ramp up economic and military pressure on Tehran.
