The United States has escalated aggression against Iran by conducting attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. This escalatory move has further inflamed the already boiling tensions between the two countries. During a special briefing on June 22, the Pentagon defended this military action. To make their point, officials rolled out a poster featuring the name “Operation Midnight Hammer.” This operation illustrates the U.S. resolve to deter future threats from Iran. In the past, Iran has responded by threatening to attack American targets.
The Pentagon briefing pulled no punches, underscoring the seriousness of the crisis. U.S. forces remain on high alert and ready to take action against any Iranian threat. Officials stressed, as is their wont, that the military is prepared to act. If things go awry, they will respond strongly to safeguard U.S. interests in the area. The briefings provide a clear signal that the U.S. will strike back with strength to any aggressive action taken by Iran.
Iran’s leadership in Tehran has alluded to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This crucial oil chokepoint moves nearly 10% of the global supply of oil. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council would have to make the final call on such a move. This body happens to wield serious power over the country’s defense issues.
At the June 22 background briefing, Pentagon spokesperson Hegseth issued a direct threat to Iran. He warned them, specifically, not to act upon their earlier wonders. That warning is indicative of the seriousness with which U.S. military leaders are currently on their guard as they track Iranian provocations on a near-daily basis. These provocations have led to a combustible state of affairs, wherein the two militaries are both on high alert and organized for escalation.
The latest strike on Iranian nuclear facilities came just days before the Pentagon’s on-the-record briefing. This incident reveals the tenuous state of US-Iranian relations. The U.S. is smartly starting to move to neutralize those threats. Simultaneously, it is delivering a bipartisan, ironclad message to Iran: Your aggression is unacceptable and we will not stand by.