The United States could return to active military action against Iran as early as this week if negotiations with Tehran reach a dead end, Axios reports, citing some American and Israeli officials. Officially, Washington continues to claim that the ceasefire remains in effect. Today, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that "the situation is under control." At the same time, the US military acknowledges its readiness to quickly resume hostilities if President Donald Trump gives the order.

The announcement of a possible escalation came amid the implementation of a new White House initiative called "Project Freedom," aimed at ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Washington notified Iran before the operation began, but on the very first day, Iran launched attacks on US Navy ships, commercial vessels, and facilities in the United Arab Emirates. Commenting on these incidents, US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Kaine stated that the Iranian attacks were "below the threshold for resuming large-scale combat operations."

Despite the launch of Project Freedom, most international companies continue to refrain from sailing their vessels through the strategically important strait, fearing escalation and further attacks.