US Defence Secretary confirms Iran ceasefire remains active despite Strait of Hormuz tensions

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed at a Tuesday press conference that the ceasefire between Washington and Iran remains in effect. Speaking to reporters, Hegseth explicitly stated that the agreement has not ended, reinforcing the administration's commitment to de-escalation in the region.

Despite the confirmation of the ceasefire, Hegseth clarified that military operations to protect commercial shipping in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz are temporary measures. He emphasised that these actions are not indicative of a permanent escalation but rather a necessary response to current conditions.

The Defence Secretary made it clear that Washington is not seeking a fight with Iran. This statement underscores a strategic posture focused on containment rather than confrontation, even as friction persists in the narrow waterway.

Recent exchanges of fire in the Strait of Hormuz have prompted assessments from the Department of Defence. A senior general previously noted that the current strikes fall below the threshold required to breach the ceasefire agreement or restart full-scale combat.

The Pentagon maintains that while hostilities exist, they do not technically violate the standing ceasefire. However, the specific duration of the temporary US protection operations remains undefined, leaving the timeline for the withdrawal of these naval assets unclear.

While the US asserts its non-aggressive intent, the criteria for what constitutes a breach of the ceasefire by either party remain implicit. This ambiguity subjects the stability of the agreement to interpretation, relying heavily on the single high-level statement from the Defence Secretary.

The situation reflects a delicate balance where the US and Iran manage ongoing tensions without formally ending the truce. France 24 International reported on the press conference, capturing Hegseth's assurance that the ceasefire is not over.