US President Donald Trump stated that the war with Iran could continue for another two or three weeks. He asserted that the US has already won the conflict.
Control of the Strait of Hormuz has become a central issue in this crisis. Iran has shown how closing this vital waterway can serve as both an offensive weapon and a revenue raiser. A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but talks failed to produce a lasting agreement.
The US military claims that the ceasefire with Iran is still in place despite ongoing tensions. However, Iran has fired at commercial vessels nine times and seized two container ships since the ceasefire began.
Key statements:
- Trump: “Time is not of the essence for us.”
- Trump: “One way or the other, we win.”
- Pete Hegseth: “The US was ‘not looking for a fight.'”
- General Dan Caine: “No adversary should mistake our current restraint with a lack of resolve.”
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that Iran would face an overwhelming response if it attacked US troops or commercial shipping. General Dan Caine indicated that US forces are ready to resume major combat operations against Iran if ordered.
Regional tensions escalated after the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28. The exact status of the ceasefire and whether it will hold amid ongoing tensions is unclear.