We are ready to resume combat operations against Iran as soon as we receive orders

US Chief of Staff General Dan Keane announced on Tuesday that his forces are ready to resume large-scale combat operations against Iran, if they receive orders to do so.

Keane, who was speaking alongside US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, said that US Central Command “and other joint forces remain ready to resume broad combat operations against Iran if requested to do so.”

He considered that “no opponent should interpret the current restraint as a weakness in resolve.”

The US Secretary of War said that the United States “does not seek confrontation” in the Strait of Hormuz, given that the truce with the Islamic Republic has held so far, but that it will respond in a “devastating” manner to any Iranian attack targeting shipping traffic.

Hegseth’s warning came the day after the United States began an operation that it said was to facilitate the passage of commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, through which Iran imposes restrictions in response to the US-Israeli war.

Hegseth told reporters, “We are not seeking confrontation, but Iran cannot be allowed to prevent unconcerned countries and their goods from crossing an international waterway.”

Addressing the Iranians, he added, “If you attack American forces or civilian commercial ships, you will face overwhelming and devastating American firepower.”

The commander of Centcom, Admiral Brad Cooper, announced on Monday that the US military destroyed six Iranian boats and shot down missiles and drones launched by Iranian forces at US Navy ships and commercial ships.

However, Kane and Hegseth downplayed these clashes, as the general described them as “limited disturbing fire,” while the Defense Minister confirmed that “the ceasefire is still holding at the present time.”

American and Israeli forces launched war on Iran on February 28, and the Islamic Republic responded by imposing restrictions on passage through the Strait of Hormuz, vital for global oil and gas exports, a step that American forces later met with a blockade on Iranian ports.

US President Donald Trump indefinitely extended a truce that was initially scheduled for two weeks, but the war and its wide economic repercussions still exist.

Kane pointed out that there are about 22,500 sailors on board more than 1,550 commercial ships stuck in the Gulf and unable to cross.

Cooper explained that the United States does not directly accompany the ships, but rather worked to secure safe passage through the strait, while deploying a multi-layered defense system that includes ships, aircraft, and electronic warfare capabilities to confront any threats.

Hegseth stressed in his statements that the process will not be open indefinitely.

He said, “We are working to stabilize the situation so that trade movement can return to normal, but we expect the world to bear its responsibility. At the appropriate time, and soon, we will return the responsibility to you.”