Alert for New War? US Threatens to "Annihilate" Iran – Ceasefire on the Brink

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The United States has stated that it has ended its offensive operations against Iran, but warns that it is prepared to launch “devastating” strikes again if tensions in the Strait of Hormuz heat up once more. This situation places the already fragile ceasefire on the brink. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised that Washington is currently exercising restraint, but military options remain open. “No adversary should mistake our restraint for a lack of resolve,” a US military official asserted, as quoted by AFP on Wednesday (6/5/2026). The warning comes after Iran signalled that it has not yet deployed its full force. Tensions have risen following Iranian missile and drone attacks on US forces, which Washington retaliated against by striking six Iranian vessels deemed a threat to commercial shipping. US military commander General Dan Caine stated that his troops remain fully on alert. “We are prepared to resume major combat operations if ordered,” he said. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump urged Iran to reach an agreement quickly. He claimed he does not want the conflict to widen, but continued to downplay Tehran’s capabilities. “Iran has no chance,” he said. From the Pentagon, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth affirmed that the US is not seeking war, but will respond forcefully to any threats. “If attacked, our response will be extraordinary and annihilating,” he stressed. On the other side, Iran showed no less firm a stance. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described the US military presence in the region as “un tolerable” and pledged to reduce Washington’s influence in the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions have also spilled over to regional countries. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) claimed to have intercepted Iranian missile and drone attacks for two consecutive days, though Tehran denied the accusations. Israel’s military has also reportedly gone on alert. Air Force Chief Omer Tischler said his forces are ready to deploy full strength to the eastern region if necessary. The same sentiment was expressed by Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir, who confirmed a “high alert” status. Although the conflict has not yet fully erupted again, its impact is already being felt in the global economy. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for world energy trade, are driving up energy costs and pressuring market stability, especially in Asia. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that he remains open to dialogue but rejects maximum pressure from the US. “That approach is unacceptable,” he said. From Europe, diplomatic pressure continues to flow. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised that attacks in the Gulf region are unacceptable. “The security of this area has direct consequences for Europe,” she said. Similar calls came from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who urged Iran to return to the negotiating table.