The American Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, stated that the ceasefire with Iran is still valid, despite recent exchanges of fire.

Pete Hegseth, the American Secretary of Defense, stated on Tuesday that the ceasefire with Iran has not ended, despite recent exchanges of fire in the Strait of Hormuz. Hegseth explained that the Freedom Project, which aims to guide commercial vessels in this strategic area, is a separate endeavor from Operation Epic Fury, which he called a temporary solution.

He emphasized that 'the world needs this navigable route more than we do' and warned that Iran cannot block innocent countries' access to international routes. General Dan Caine, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, mentioned that Iran has attacked the U.S. multiple times since the ceasefire in April, but these attacks have not been sufficient to justify a major military response. In contrast, Iran's foreign minister emphasized that recent violence demonstrates that there is no military solution to the conflict, warning about the risks of U.S. involvement in the region.