Washington, Apr 16 (EFE).- The United States is prepared to resume attacks on Iran if Tehran fails to reach a peace agreement during the current ceasefire, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday.
Speaking at a Pentagon press conference, Hegseth said US forces remain deployed in the region to implement what he described as an «ironclad blockade» of the Strait of Hormuz and maintain readiness to resume combat operations.
«You Iran, can choose a prosperous future, a golden bridge, and we hope that you do for the people of Iran,» Hegseth told reporters, describing the blockade of Iranian ports as «the most diplomatic option» to pressure Tehran.
“But if Iran chooses poorly, then they will have a blockade and bombs dropping on infrastructure, power and energy.”
He also warned Iranian military leaders that Washington is monitoring their movements and tracking military assets in the region.
Hegseth added that the US Navy controls maritime traffic entering and leaving the Strait of Hormuz and is prepared to maintain the operation «as long as necessary.»
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine said US forces “remain ready” to resume combat operations against Iran “at a moment’s notice.”
US Central Command chief Gen. Brad Cooper added that troops are using the ceasefire period to rearm, upgrade equipment and adjust tactics.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said in recent hours that the war «is about to end» and that new peace negotiations could take place after the first round of talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, failed.
Next Wednesday marks two weeks since the ceasefire took effect, contingent on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route closed by Iran in retaliation for the war launched on Feb. 28 by the United States and Israel.
The White House said Wednesday that preparations for a second round of talks are ongoing and that Pakistan could again host negotiations as mediator. EFE
ygg-sk
