The U.S. Special Representative for Iran, Brian Hook, stated that “this administration does not seek conflict with Iran. We have been equally clear to the regime that we will defend our citizens, forces, and interests, including against attacks by Iran or its proxies. We stand with our partners and our allies to safeguard global commerce and regional stability”. He went on to say that “the U.S. is raising the costs of Iran’s revolutionary adventures while increasing incentives for pragmatism to prevail… Iran must change its behaviour and act like a normal nation, or it will watch its economy crumble.  While the Iranian leaders make that decision, we will stay focused on working with our partners to defend themselves from attacks while also raising the costs of aggression”. Hook also posited that “our diplomacy does not entitle Iran to undertake violence against any nation or threaten maritime security”, and warned that “we continue to accumulate risk of a worse conflict if we don’t get serious about Iran’s missile program”.