US defense secretary warns Iran to ‘choose wisely’ as ceasefire hangs in balance
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated Thursday that Iran has strong incentive to preserve the ongoing ceasefire
WASHINGTON (MNTV) – U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated Thursday that Iran has strong incentive to preserve the ongoing ceasefire, while making clear that American forces stand fully ready to resume hostilities if Tehran walks away from a deal.
Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth said U.S. forces are “maximally postured” to recommence combat operations should Iran’s leadership make the wrong choice, urging Tehran to “choose wisely.”
He noted that while Iran’s command and control capabilities have been significantly degraded — limiting its ability to coordinate military activity — its desire to remain within the ceasefire framework remains strong.
“They understand that a violation of that ceasefire means a commencement,” he warned.
Hegseth also signaled that U.S. forces have been restocking and sharpening their intelligence capabilities, cautioning that Washington has Iranian infrastructure, power generation facilities, and energy assets firmly in its sights.
He emphasized the U.S. is prepared to act at the president’s order, though he expressed a preference for avoiding further conflict.
Hormuz blockade tightens
On the naval front, Hegseth said the U.S. Navy is controlling maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz using less than a tenth of America’s total naval capacity.
Joint Chiefs Chair Dan Caine added that the blockade covers all vessels bound to or from Iranian ports regardless of their flag, though he clarified it does not amount to a full closure of the strait itself.
The statements come as Washington and Tehran are negotiating an extension of the two-week ceasefire announced last week, which is due to expire on April 22.
The U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, launched on February 28, has severely disrupted shipping through the strait since its outset, with a naval blockade formally announced earlier this week after weekend talks failed to produce an agreement.
The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly a fifth of the world’s daily oil supply, and the ongoing instability has pushed up crude prices while driving shipping and insurance costs sharply higher.
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