U.S. Defense Secretary: U.S. Plans to Maintain Military Presence in the Middle East
U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth stated that the United States plans to maintain a military presence in the Middle East to ensure Iran complies with the relevant provisions of the peace agreement.
On the early morning of April 8, President Trump announced that the United States and Iran had reached a two-week ceasefire agreement. Subsequently, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi said that navigation through the Strait of Hormuz has resumed. Approximately 20% of the world's oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas are transported via this strait.
Hegseth told reporters: "We will ensure Iran adheres to this ceasefire agreement and ultimately sits at the negotiating table to sign an agreement. Therefore, we will maintain our current deployment, remaining ready and vigilant at all times."
He also emphasized: "Our military forces are fully prepared for both defensive and offensive operations and can resume actions at any time to strike any necessary targets, thereby ensuring Iran complies with the ceasefire conditions."
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861950622090249/
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