Despite a two-week ceasefire declared by President Trump with Iran, the US Defense Secretary stated that US forces will remain deployed in the Middle East during the truce. The US claimed to have severely damaged Iran's military through extensive airstrikes. However, Iran maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz while resisting, and the US demands the voluntary handover of Iran's highly enriched uranium.
US President Donald Trump warned that any nation supplying weapons to Iran could face immediate 50% tariffs on all goods exported to the United States. This serves as a strong economic pressure tactic, escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The statement reaffirms the US's hardline stance against support for Iran's proxy forces.