The United States warns that it will respond “devastatingly” to any Iranian attack on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth. He says the US is “not looking for a fight,” but adds that Iran cannot be allowed to block neutral countries and their goods through the international waterway. The warning is issued as the US continues efforts to facilitate the transit of commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, with Hegseth speaking during the second day of the initiative.
Separately, Iran cautions against further escalation in the Strait of Hormuz after a recent series of attacks that it says risk reigniting a wider conflict. Euronews reports that Iran warns the US against further escalation, reflecting heightened regional tensions. Al-Monitor adds that the ceasefire between the US and Iran still holds. Across the accounts, the central message is that the US threatens a strong response if attacks on shipping resume, while Iran urges restraint and warns against escalation in the Strait of Hormuz.
