US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said that the ceasefire with Iran remains in place but warned that any escalation could quickly put the fragile truce at risk.
“No, the ceasefire is not over,” Hegseth told reporters on Tuesday at the Pentagon, adding that President Donald Trump will ultimately decide whether any actions by Tehran constitute a violation.
“For now, the ceasefire holds, but we are watching very closely,” he said, urging Iran to act cautiously and avoid crossing the threshold into renewed conflict.
Hegseth’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions in the region, where sporadic incidents continue despite the April 8 ceasefire brokered through Pakistani mediation.
Strait of Hormuz tensions and maritime risks
The Pentagon said US naval forces successfully escorted commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, signalling that key shipping lanes remain open despite ongoing disruptions.
However, top military officials warned that risks persist.
Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine said Iran has carried out multiple low-level attacks since the ceasefire, including firing at commercial vessels and targeting US forces.
He added that more than 22,000 mariners aboard over 1,500 ships remain effectively stranded in the Arabian Gulf due to security concerns.
The situation underscores the fragile nature of the truce, as both sides avoid full-scale conflict while continuing limited operations below the threshold of war.
