US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the US operation to protect commercial ships from Iran in the Strait of Hormuz is temporary. He said Washington is not looking for conflict and that the ceasefire with Iran is still in place.
He told reporters that the ceasefire has not over and said the US will continue to defend strongly if needed. He added that Iran is aware of this and that any escalation would depend on a decision by the US president.
Tensions in the Middle East remained high as the US and Iran exchanged fire in the Gulf while competing for control of the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump launched a new mission called Project Freedom on Monday to secure the important waterway, which Iran had effectively closed after the conflict began on February 28 involving the US and Israel.
Hegseth said Iran does not control the strait and explained that Project Freedom is defensive, limited in scope, and temporary. He said its main goal is to protect commercial shipping from Iranian actions. He also said US forces will not need to enter Iranian waters or airspace, adding that the United States is not seeking a fight.
