Russell Fry

Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., compared Iran to a "petulant child" as it continues to test its fragile ceasefire with the U.S., warning the regime is attempting to stall in hopes of outlasting President Donald Trump.

"I think you're — what you're seeing right now — is, Iran test this administration," Fry said Monday on Fox Business Network's "Mornings with Maria." "I think they're much like a petulant child right now that I think realizes, maybe internally, that the writing is on the wall."

"But they're trying, in every which way, to delay settlement resolution of this conflict, they're trying to wait out the president, but this president, obviously, in things in the past, has been very direct, been very clear," he added.

Fry's remarks came after a sharp escalation in the Middle East on Monday, when Iranian forces fired on U.S. naval vessels operating in the region.

American forces responded by destroying six Iranian boats, according to U.S. Central Command commander Adm. Brad Cooper.

Cooper also said U.S. forces intercepted Iranian cruise missiles and drones, highlighting the growing threat in the region.

At the same time, the Trump administration has launched efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for global oil shipments that has been disrupted by the conflict.

The Pentagon initiative, known as "Project Freedom," is aimed at escorting and freeing commercial tankers stuck in the Persian Gulf.

Cooper said he had "strongly advised" Iran to steer clear of U.S. military assets as the operation continues.

Now in its second month, the conflict is fueling concern at home, particularly as energy prices rise.

AAA reported the national average for regular gasoline reached about $4.48 per gallon as of Tuesday afternoon, compared with roughly $3.17 a year earlier, underscoring the economic strain tied to the standoff.