TheUnited Stateshas completed its offensive operations against Iran, Secretary of StateMarco Rubiosaid Tuesday, even as Washington warned it was ready to unleash a devastating response to any new attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Rubios remarks came afterWashingtons top military officer said American forces remain ready to resume combat operations if ordered, as clashes in the vital waterway threatened to unravel a fragile ceasefire.
The warnings came after Irans chief negotiator said Tehran had not even started yet, following a spate of attacks in the crucial trade route.
Irans Revolutionary Guards navy warned of a firm response if ships deviated from its approved route through the strait.
TheUnited Arab Emiratessaid it was intercepting a barrage of missiles and drones from Iran for a second day a claim Tehran categorically denied.
The armed forces... did not launch any missile or drone operation, Irans Khatam al-Anbiya command said.
Iran fired missiles anddronesat US forces on Monday, while Washington said it struck six Iranian boats it accused of threatening commercial shipping, in the sharpest escalation since a month-long truce.
US Central Command remains ready to resume major combat operations... if ordered, General Dan Caine told reporters.
No adversary should mistake our current restraint with a lack of resolve.
PresidentDonald Trumpurged Iran to do the smart thing and make a deal, saying he did not want to kill more Iranians even as the ceasefire teetered.
He earlier dismissed the conflict as a little skirmish, adding: Iran has no chance.
Pentagon chiefPete Hegsethhad said the US was not looking for a fight but warned attacks would face overwhelming and devastating force.
Malign presence
Irans parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the status quo was intolerable, warning the US malign presence will diminish as Tehran vowed to retain control of Hormuz.
Mondays exchange of fire came as the rivals enforced duelling maritime blockades following Trumps plan to guide ships out of the Gulf.
The war, sparked more than two months ago by US-Israelistrikes, has battered the global economy despite a weeks-longceasefire.
Israels air force chief Omer Tischler said the military was ready to deploy the entire air force eastward if required.Militarychief Eyal Zamir added that the army remained on high alert and ready to respond to threats in the Gulf.
Iran denied any naval losses but accused Washington of killing five civilians aboard boats.
Despite tensions, Danish freight giant Maersk said one of its ships had transited Hormuz under US escort.
The UAE called the attacks a dangerous escalation, whileSaudi Arabiaurged efforts towards a political solution.
European and US stocks advanced Tuesday while fears that the ceasefire could fall apart weighed on Asian equities.
Talks remain deadlocked, with only one round of direct negotiations so far.
Irans PresidentMasoud Pezeshkiansaid Tehran remained open to dialogue, but rejected US maximum pressure demands as impossible.
Risingenergycosts are adding to economic strain and creating a political headache for Trump ahead of midterm elections.
European allies warned prolonged disruption would hit their economies.
These attacks are unacceptable, EU chiefUrsula von der Leyensaid on X, warning that Gulf security has direct consequences for Europe.
GermanChancellor Friedrich Merz urged Iran to return to talks, echoing calls from French PresidentEmmanuel Macronand British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
Originally published on France24
