The US military says it is prepared to resume major combat operations against Iran if ordered, after a sharp escalation of attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran launched missiles and drones at US forces and UAE targets while the US says it struck six Iranian boats threatening commercial shipping. European and regional leaders warned of economic fallout and urged a return to negotiations as tensions and market volatility rise.
US Forces Ready To Resume Major Combat Operations Against Iran As Tensions Escalate In Strait Of Hormuz
Iran's powerful chief negotiator threatened the United States with further escalation in the standoff over the Strait of Hormuz (-)(-/AFP/AFP)
The US military says it stands ready to resume major combat operations against Iran if ordered, as Pentagon officials warned of a "devastating" response to recent Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The sharp escalation followed exchanges of missiles, drones and small-boat engagements that threatened to undo a recent ceasefire and widen the Middle East conflict.
Latest Developments
Iran fired missiles and drones at US personnel and at territory in the United Arab Emirates—including an energy facility in Fujairah—while Washington said it struck six Iranian boats that it accused of threatening commercial vessels. Both sides described the incidents as serious escalations after a nearly month-long truce.
"US Central Command and the rest of the joint force remain ready to resume major combat operations against Iran if ordered to do so," General Dan Caine told reporters, adding that American restraint should not be mistaken for a lack of resolve.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said the US was not seeking a wider fight in the strait but warned that any Iranian attacks would "face overwhelming and devastating American firepower." Tehran's lead negotiator declared the country "had not even started yet" in the strategically vital waterway, underscoring the risk of further confrontations.
Regional And Global Impact
The clashes occurred as the Trump administration rolled out a plan—dubbed "Project Freedom"—to escort commercial ships safely through the Gulf. Despite the flare-up, Denmark-based shipping giant Maersk reported one vessel successfully transited the strait under US escort.
UAE authorities said four cruise missiles were launched toward their territory—three intercepted and one that fell into the sea—and reported drone strikes against a tanker linked to ADNOC. Iran denied any preplanned attacks on UAE oil infrastructure and blamed US efforts to break its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz for provoking the action.
European and regional leaders reacted with alarm. The EU's Ursula von der Leyen said the attacks were "unacceptable" and warned that Gulf security has direct consequences for Europe. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other Western leaders urged Iran to return to negotiations and avoid further destabilizing steps. Saudi Arabia called for intensified efforts toward a political solution.
Political And Security Context
The conflict, which intensified more than two months ago following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, has spread across the region and rattled global markets. Energy prices jumped and stocks dipped amid fears the strait could remain closed if talks remain deadlocked—only one round of direct Washington-Tehran peace talks has taken place so far.
Israel said its military remains on high alert and is monitoring developments. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts, including contacts between European leaders and Tehran, continue amid urgent calls to de-escalate and reopen channels for negotiations.
Outlook: The situation remains volatile. Further strikes or miscalculations could trigger a wider confrontation with significant geopolitical and economic consequences. International actors continue to press for diplomacy even as military forces prepare for the possibility of renewed operations.
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