"We're Not a Stupid Country" Says Secretary of State, Reassuringly

"“What you saw yesterday was U.S. destroyers moving through international waters being fired upon by the Iranians, and the U.S. responded defensively to protect itself,” said Rubio, referring to U.S. military strikes that were reported to have taken out at least a handful of Iranian boats. “Only stupid countries don't shoot back when you're shot at. And we're not a stupid country.”"

"These engagements were, as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has also helpfully pointed out within the last week, absolutely not part of “Operation Epic Fury,” because if they were, the President would be compelled by U.S. law to seek the approval of Congress for the ongoing military operation that has stretched past the 60-day limit for undeclared wars enumerated by the War Powers Act of 1973. Instead, this particular firing of weapons-which does not disrupt a ceasefire-is “separate and distinct.”"

"But also, as Rubio put it, “The red line is clear: If they threaten Americans, they're going to get blown up.” You know, blown up in such a way that the ceasefire remains in"

U.S. officials describe recent U.S.-Iran engagements as defensive responses rather than violations of a ceasefire. U.S. destroyers are said to have moved through international waters and been fired upon, prompting U.S. forces to respond to protect themselves. The position is that shooting back when attacked is not something only “stupid countries” would fail to do. Officials also distinguish these actions from a broader named operation, arguing that legal requirements tied to undeclared wars do not apply because the actions are separate and distinct. A stated red line holds that if Americans are threatened, the response will involve being “blown up,” while maintaining that ceasefire conditions remain intact.

Read at Jezebel