Pentagon Chief Says US-Iran Ceasefire Remains in Effect

United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has publicly stated that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran is not over, seeking to counter speculation that the fragile truce has collapsed amid renewed hostilities in the region.

Hegseth's remarks come as reports of fresh military activity and diplomatic friction have fuelled uncertainty about the durability of the ceasefire arrangement, which was brokered earlier this year following a period of intense US-Iran confrontation. His statement was interpreted as a deliberate effort to stabilise expectations and prevent further market and geopolitical turbulence.

The ceasefire has been under strain, with both sides accusing each other of violations and proxy actors continuing operations in contested theatres. The Pentagon chief's intervention suggests Washington is invested in maintaining the truce, at least publicly, while pursuing parallel diplomatic tracks.

The statement has significant implications for global energy markets, which have reacted sharply to every escalation and de-escalation signal involving Iran given its centrality to oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz.

Regional governments, including Pakistan and Gulf states, are closely monitoring the situation given its direct bearing on energy prices, trade flows, and broader security architecture in the Middle East.