U.S. Media: Washington Notified Iran in Advance of Escort Operation, Warning Against Interference

Odaily, According to a U.S. official and a person familiar with the matter, a senior official from the Trump administration notified Iran on Sunday of the upcoming U.S. operation to "guide" vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and warned Tehran not to interfere. This privately conveyed message suggests that the White House hopes to mitigate the risk of a potential escalation. However, despite the warning, Iran launched a series of attacks against U.S. Navy vessels, commercial ships, and the United Arab Emirates. On Tuesday, U.S. Defense Secretary and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Caine downplayed Iran's attacks, asserting that the ceasefire agreement remains in effect. Nevertheless, some U.S. and Israeli officials believe that if the diplomatic deadlock persists, President Trump may order a resumption of hostilities later this week. (AXIOS website)