Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Kane, stated at a press conference on the 5th that the US military is ready at any time to resume large-scale operations against Iran, pending orders.
He pointed out that, in addition to military actions in the Strait of Hormuz, the US military stands ready to resume major operational actions against Iran at any moment if given the command.
Kane made these remarks during a press conference at the Pentagon alongside Secretary of War Hegseth.
He said that since the US first announced the ceasefire, Iran has opened fire on merchant ships nine times and seized two cargo vessels. Iran has also launched more than ten attacks against US forces, but all remain below the threshold required to restart major combat operations.
He indicated that on the 4th, Iran launched attacks on shipping vessels, which were repelled by armed US Navy and Army helicopters.
He said that the US Central Command has designated a strengthened security zone near the Strait of Hormuz, with US destroyers and other vessels continuously monitoring and countering Iranian activities.
Ceasefire with Iran Not Yet Ended
Meanwhile, Secretary of War Hegseth commented on the skirmish between US and Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz on the 4th, stating that the ceasefire between the US and Iran has not yet ended.
He urged Iran to act prudently to ensure that events do not cross the line, and as to whether the situation might escalate to breaking the ceasefire agreement, "the final decision will be made by the President (Trump)."
“Freedom Plan” Does Not Seek Engagement
Hegseth said that the “Freedom Plan” implemented by the US military in the Strait of Hormuz is a temporary mission, and US operations are defensive in nature and do not seek engagement.
He stated that the “Freedom Plan” escort operation is completely different from the "Epic Fury" operation, and that the “Freedom Plan” is defensive with a focused scope and limited duration, aiming to protect merchant vessels from Iranian harassment. There is no need or necessity for US forces to enter Iranian territorial waters or airspace—"we do not seek engagement."
He also emphasized that the blockade on Iranian ports remains fully in effect.
He declared that Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz, and that two American merchant ships have already passed safely through the strait under the escort of US Navy destroyers. At present, hundreds of vessels from around the world are waiting to pass through.