On April 9, US President Donald Trump warned that there would be an "unprecedentedly large and strong" military response if Iran did not comply with the ceasefire agreement between the two sides.
In a statement on the social network Truth Social, Mr. Trump said that all US warships, aircraft and soldiers, along with weapons and ammunition, will continue to be present around Iran until the terms are fully implemented. He emphasized that the two sides have agreed that Iran does not possess nuclear weapons and must ensure the safety of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to President Trump, the US military is maintaining a state of readiness, stockpiling ammunition and preparing for further operations. He also assessed that the possibility of an escalating scenario is low, although he still issued a tough warning.
The statement was made after the US and Iran accepted a 2-week ceasefire, mediated by Pakistan, to end 6 weeks of fighting and pave the way for negotiations. Tehran then announced that ships could safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz, on condition of coordination with Iranian armed forces.
However, the regional situation remains tense. Israel supports the decision to stop attacking Iran but affirms that the agreement does not apply to Lebanon. The Israeli army has conducted fierce airstrikes on Lebanon, causing heavy casualties.
This development makes Iran believe that continuing to negotiate a long-term peace agreement with the US is "unreasonable", thereby highlighting the fragility of the current ceasefire.
A US official said that the country has deployed more than 50,000 soldiers in the Middle East, about 10,000 more than usual. This force includes the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and escort warships, the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli and Marine Corps Unit 31. The USS Boxer and Unit 11 are also on their way to the area.
Military moves and tough statements from Washington show that the risk of escalating conflict is still present, even though the parties have entered a period of temporary ceasefire.
