US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has handed a fresh ultimatum to Iran, warning of "overwhelming American firepower" if they "attack American troops or innocent commercial shipping" in the Strait of Hormuz.
Addressing a press conference in The Pentagon, Mr Hegseth said: "This is more than strategy, it's also humanitarian. By breaking Iran's illegal stranglehold, we're protecting the lives and livelihoods of sailors from dozens of countries, securing global energy routes and preventing shortages that hit the world's poorest people the hardest.
"Once again, America is using its strength to lift up others. Iran is trying to subjugate the world to what remains of Iran's forces. If you attack American troops or innocent commercial shipping, you will face overwhelming and devastating American firepower.
"The President has been very clear about this. We prefer this to be a peaceful operation, but are locked and loaded to defend our people, our ships, our aircraft, and this mission without hesitation to Iran.
"Let innocent ships pass freely. These international waters belong to all nations, not to Iran, to tax, toll or control."
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