Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Minister of the Ministry of National Defense (War Department), said on the 16th (local time) regarding Iran, "If you make the wrong choice and do not reach an agreement, our military is in the best posture to resume combat operations."
Minister Hegseth said this at a press briefing on military operations against Iran held at the Ministry of National Defense headquarters near Washington, D.C., and added, "I hope the new Iranian regime makes a wise choice."
He continued, "We are watching you. Our military and yours have different capabilities. Remember. This is not a fair fight."
Minister Hegseth said the U.S. military is rearming based on stronger intelligence and is at a state of readiness targeting Iran's energy industry, including power plants. He also said they are ready to immediately resume attacks on the orders of U.S. President Donald Trump.
On the same day, Minister Hegseth, addressing Iran's claim to control the Strait of Hormuz, said, "Threatening to fire missiles and drones at merchant vessels lawfully navigating international waters means you cannot control anything," adding, "That is not control but an act of piracy and an act of terror."
He added, "We prefer to resolve this amicably through an agreement. If not, we can take a hard line," and said, "We urge this new regime to choose wisely."
Meanwhile, Dan Caine, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), said at a press conference at the Ministry of National Defense headquarters near Washington, D.C., "U.S. military commanders around the world, including in the Indo-Pacific region, will actively track all Iranian-flagged vessels or any vessels attempting to provide material support to Iran."
After the breakdown of the first cease-fire talks with Iran, as the Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees the Middle East, moved to a counter-blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, this is interpreted as an intention to expand the scope of operations beyond the Middle East to the entire world.