US Defense Secretary Pete Hegset said America will assess suitable locations for force deployment and that European allies are prepared to increase their presence in the Strait of Hormuz. He claimed any agreement with Iran was achieved from a position of US strength and warned that if Tehran does not honor its obligations, the United States is ready to resume military operations, re‑establish a blockade, and enforce a strict encirclement. The secretary emphasized that the US will remain a powerful backing for any negotiations.