US forces in the Middle East are positioned to immediately resume combat operations if Iran does not agree to a peace deal, senior US military officials said on Thursday.
As part of a campaign to pressure Tehran to sign an agreement, US military forces are lifting a blockade on all ships seeking to enter or exit Iran, foreign media write, according to the Telegraph.
"You, Iran, can choose a prosperous future, ... and we hope you do for the people of Iran," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said at a Pentagon press conference.
"But if Iran chooses badly, then there will be a blockade and bombs falling on infrastructure and energy."
The Trump administration expressed optimism Wednesday about reaching a deal to end the war with Iran, while also warning of increased economic pressure against Tehran if it remains defiant.
Hegseth, addressing the Iranian leadership, said "this is not a just war, and we know what military assets you are moving and where you are moving them."
Even General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that US forces were "ready to resume major combat operations at any possible moment."
US Navy ships would pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any ship attempting to provide material support to Iran, he said at the briefing.
Ships attempting to break the blockade would be intercepted and warned that "If you do not comply with this blockade, we will use force."
Implementation of the measures would take place within Iran's territorial waters and in international waters, he said.
A total of 13 ships have chosen to turn back instead of breaking the blockade, Caine said, adding that so far he has not boarded any ships. /Telegrafi/
