The US has claimed that although it is “not looking for a fight” with Iran over the disputed Strait of Hormuz, it will not back down from any conflict.
Pete Hegseth, the head of the Pentagon, stated on Tuesday that there would be a “devastating” reaction to any Iranian attack on ships using the route.
He said, “We’re not looking for a fight. But Iran also cannot be allowed to block innocent countries and their goods from an international waterway,” Hegseth told reporters.
“If you attack American troops or innocent commercial shipping, you will face overwhelming and devastating American firepower.”
‘READY FOR COMBAT’
Meanwhile, US forces are prepared to resume significant combat operations against Iran if directed to do so, according to General Dan Caine.
The top US military general also told reporters that America’s moderation shouldn’t be seen as a “lack of resolve.”
Caine said the US Central Command “and the rest of the joint force remain ready to resume major combat operations against Iran if ordered to do so”.
Additionally, he added that, “No adversary should mistake our current restraint with a lack of resolve.”
BACKSTORY…
Following conflict, Donald Trump on April 19 issued fresh threats to destroy Iran’s infrastructure if talks over the strait fails.
Trump made this new threat in a post on his Truth Social on Sunday.
He also said he was sending a delegation to Pakistan on Monday, April 20 for negotiations with Iran.
Few days after, Trump also announced that he has directed the U.S. Navy to use lethal force on any vessels suspected of laying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Recall that President Trump earlier announced that he has directed the U.S. Navy to use lethal force on any vessels suspected of laying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
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