A senior U.S. naval official assessed that “we have achieved an uneasy deterrence [with Iran]. That uneasy deterrence is exacerbated by world events and by events along the way… But I have found Iranian activity at sea to be cautious and circumspect and respectful, to not risk unnecessary miscalculation or escalation at sea”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson responded: “We are happy that the other party has got the message and made its behaviour more respectful”, while deeming the U.S. presence in the region as the “main source of tension”.