White House gave Iran private message before new Hormuz operation

(Barak Ravid – Axios) A high-level Trump administration official informed Iran on Sunday of the impending U.S. operation to “guide” ships through the Strait of Hormuz and warned Tehran not to interfere, according to a U.S. official and a source with knowledge. The private message suggests the White House wanted to try to mitigate the risk of potential escalation. But despite the warning, the Iranians launched a string of attacks on U.S. Navy ships, commercial vessels, and the United Arab Emirates. On Tuesday, Secretary of Defense Hegseth and Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Dan Caine downplayed the Iranian attacks and claimed the ceasefire remained in place. Nevertheless, some U.S. and Israeli officials believe President Trump could give an order to resume the war later this week if the diplomatic stalemate continues. – White House gave Iran private message before new Hormuz operation