President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Iran should capitulate as U.S. forces continue efforts to weaken its capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump asserted that Tehran is under heavy pressure and signaled that negotiations are likely. “They play games, but let me just tell you, they want to make a deal. And who wouldn’t, when your military is totally gone?”

Trump argued that Iran’s military strength has been significantly diminished, describing its current capabilities as limited to firing “peashooters.” He also made clear that the U.S. intends to maintain its position in the region, stating that “nobody’s going to challenge the blockade” of Iranian shipping.

When asked about potential violations of the ceasefire, Trump declined to define a specific threshold that would trigger a U.S. response, even after Iran launched cruise missiles and attack drones targeting the United Arab Emirates.

Earlier in the day, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine briefed reporters at the Pentagon following recent Iranian strikes on shipping lanes and targets in the United Arab Emirates.

Hegseth described Project Freedom, the ongoing naval mission aimed at ensuring safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that it is distinct from other military operations. “This operation is separate and distinct from Operation Epic Fury. Project Freedom is defensive in nature, focused in scope, and temporary in duration-with one mission: protecting innocent commercial shipping from Iranian aggression.”

He issued a warning to Tehran, saying, “To what remains of Iran’s forces: if you attack American troops or innocent commercial shipping, you will face overwhelming and devastating American firepower,” he added. We prefer this to be a peaceful operation, but are locked and loaded to defend our people.”

Hegseth also underscored that the U.S. is asserting control over the critical waterway. “What we’re demonstrating with Project Freedom is they [Iran] don’t control the Strait. We know Iran is embarrassed by the fact that our blockade is holding, and we can run ships through – and we’re going to help the world run ships through,” Hegseth said.

Gen. Caine noted that while Iran has carried out attacks, they have not yet escalated to a level that would prompt a broader military response. He detailed the scale of U.S. operations in the region, stating, “On the surface, guided missile destroyers and other warships are detecting and defeating Iranian threats. This includes fast boats and one-way attack drones. In the air, more than 100 fighters, attack aircraft, and other manned and unmanned aircraft, synchronized by the 82nd Airborne Division are in the air 24 hours a day, providing defensive overwatch for the enhanced security area.”

{Matzav.com}