US military

Trump added that he thinks it is unlikely the deal will not be complied with, but if not, then the "Shootin' Starts, bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before," he wrote.

"We hope and believe the ceasefire will hold," said Hegseth, who also thanked Israel for being a "brave, capable, and willing ally on this battlefield." 

Later on Tuesday, Iran officially cut off all direct communications with the US over Trump's threat. It is currently unclear if the nations will resume direct talks before the 8 p.m. EST deadline.

Could the success of the operation enhance the chances of US President Donald Trump approving a ground invasion of the Straits of Hormuz or of Kharg Island?

After ejecting from the jet, the officer sent a message over his radio saying “Power be to God,” according to Trump who added that it "sounded like something a Muslim would say."

The concept of a dedicated pararescue force traces its roots back to the end of World War II. Becoming a PJ is widely considered one of the most grueling undertakings in the military.

Throughout the tense 48-hour window, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and US Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper remained in direct contact.

A US airman stranded in Iran's mountains for 36 hours was rescued thanks to a CIA-led deception campaign and a daring military operation that thwarted Iranian efforts to locate him.

In a report by Axios, US officials confirmed that a specialized commando unit, accompanied by heavy air support, successfully conducted a rescue operation in Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz, controlled on one side by Iran, carries a fifth of the world's oil trade.