Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth renewed his threat to strike Iran's electrical and energy infrastructure if the fragile cease-fire between Washington and Tehran collapses. Speaking at the Pentagon, he said United States forces are prepared to resume major combat operations immediately and are 'locked and loaded' to target Iran's power generation and energy sectors if ordered by the president. Intentionally targeting civilian energy infrastructure could violate international law.

Hegseth also said the naval blockade of Iranian shipments would continue 'for as long as it takes' if Tehran refuses to reach an agreement with Washington. Senior military officials described forces as fully prepared to enforce the blockade and warned that vessels attempting to reach Iranian ports would be boarded or potentially met with force.

Military leaders detailed the scope of the operation, including destroyers positioned in the Gulf of Oman and aircraft supporting enforcement efforts. Officials said multiple vessels had already been warned and turned away. Meanwhile, United States forces in the region are rearming and retooling during the cease-fire, signaling continued readiness for a rapid escalation.