Kathmandu. US President Donald Trump’s administration has made several statements in recent days about the conflict with Iran and the security situation in the Middle East.

Administration officials have said a temporary ceasefire is in place and military operations are mainly defensive in nature, but indicated that military operations could resume if necessary.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the U.S. military was assisting in ensuring the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. He said the move was for defensive purposes only and the ceasefire was in place for the time being.

But at the same time, there have been reports of missile and drone attacks between Iran and US forces, indicating that tensions are not yet fully over.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the military operation had been “fulfilled as intended.” He also said a deal with Iran was necessary for regional peace and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

But then President Trump said that efforts to ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz were temporarily halted. According to him, this decision has been taken to evaluate the possibility of an agreement with Iran in the coming days.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday morning, President Trump warned that if Iran did not accept US conditions, military action could resume.

The statements of different officials have varied from time to time, with some ambiguity in the actual status of the ceasefire and clarity on US strategy.

As the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s major oil transport routes, the stability of the region is expected to have a significant impact on international energy markets.