The narrative of absolute control by and not by but also “Operation Freedom” was defended in a press briefing by the US Secretary of War and the General, with the former underlining that the truce has not been broken, despite the fact that Iranian forces have launched attacks against merchant ships.
America’s gift to the world is control of the Straits
More specifically, Hegeseth argued that Iran is “in a difficult position” and, although it claims to control the Straits, it “does not control them”, according to the Trump administration official, the US has created a “dome” over the Straits, which is essentially a “gift to the rest of the world”. According to him, the blockade remains “absolutely tight” and in full force.
According to what he said: “Operation Freedom is defensive in nature, limited in scope and temporary in duration, with a single objective: to protect merchant ships from Iranian aggression. US forces will not have to enter Iranian waters or airspace. It is not necessary. We do not seek conflict.”
But he warned that Iran would “face overwhelming firepower” if it attacked merchant ships and expressed the expectation that other countries would “take action” to protect the sea lane “at the right time.” The Pentagon chief said Iran has acted aggressively against “innocent countries” whose ships try to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. He added that Iran’s current actions are “low-intensity” and, for now, constitute “harassment.”
As he argued: “We said we would defend and we would do it vigorously, and that is exactly what we have done. Iran knows this, and ultimately only President Trump can decide whether something constitutes a ceasefire violation.”
What’s happening on the field according to Dan Cain
When asked what the threshold is for resuming major military operations, Kaine said it was a political decision.
For his part, General Dan Cain said that Iran continues to attack its neighbors, referring to yesterday’s strikes in Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
On Operation Freedom, he said Iran has opened fire on merchant ships nine times and seized two container ships since the ceasefire was announced.
General Kane argued that all Iranian attacks so far are below the threshold that would lead to the resumption of large-scale military operations.
He added that some 22,500 sailors remain stranded in the Strait of Hormuz and cannot cross. He said merchant ships in the region will begin to feel the presence of American military power around them, both at sea and in the air.
Finally, he emphasized that the joint forces are “ready to resume major military operations” against Iran, if they receive a relevant order.
