The U.S. ceasefire with Iran remains in full effect despite Iran's recent acts of aggression, according to the Pentagon on Tuesday.
Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine said Iran’s actions remain below the threshold of “major combat operations,” meaning Tehran has not violated the ongoing ceasefire.
Caine's comments come as tensions escalate as both sides continue to wrestle for control over the Strait of Hormuz.
“Since the ceasefire was announced, Iran has fired at commercial vessels nine times and seized two container ships, and they’ve attacked U.S. forces more than ten times – all below the threshold of restarting major combat operations at this point,” Caine told reporters.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated Caine's comments that the ceasefire, which was first announced April 7, remains ongoing.
“No, the ceasefire is not over,” Hegseth told reporters when pressed on whether the ceasefire with Iran still held.
Hegseth added that the United States had successfully secured a path through the critical waterway and that hundreds of commercial ships were lining up to pass through.
President Donald Trump has directed U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) to restart the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz under the operation dubbed Project Freedom. Trump described it as a humanitarian effort for nations dependent on the free flow of oil in the strait.
Hegseth noted during the Pentagon briefing that Project Freedom is “defensive in nature” with the mission of “protecting innocent commercial shipping from Iranian aggression,” noting the operation is separate from Operation Epic Fury.
“As a direct gift from the United States to the world, we have established a powerful 'Red, White, and Blue Dome' over the Strait. American destroyers are on station, supported by hundreds of fighter jets, helicopters, drones, and surveillance aircraft providing 24/7 overwatch for peaceful commercial vessels—except Iran’s, of course,” Hegseth said.
The fragile ceasefire seemed to be holding Tuesday even after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said Iran fired missiles and drones at it just the day before. Caine noted that "today is quieter" following those attacks.