US Secretary of War: We do not seek combat
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US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that the primary objective of "Project Freedom" is to safeguard international commercial vessels from Iranian aggression and ensure the unhindered flow of global trade through the Strait of Hormuz.
Hegseth stated that Iran is actively harassing and opening fire on maritime vessels in an effort to illegally impose transit fees on international shipping within the region.
US Secretary of War announced that the United States has successfully imposed total control over the Strait of Hormuz using naval vessels and attack helicopters to guarantee the secure transit of merchant ships, he added that Iran no longer maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Hegseth stated that while the United States is not seeking a fight, it cannot permit Iran to prevent innocent countries from exercising their right to transit through a vital international maritime passage.
He assured that the United States will use force in order to help others and maintain global stability.
Hegseth confirmed that "Project Freedom" is temporary and urged nations to support it.
US Secretary of War asserted that international waterways are the collective property of all countries and cannot be claimed by Iran as a private territory for the illegal collection of transit fees.
He added that the naval blockade on Iran is holding strong and affirmed the United States' ability to successfully escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Menwhile, he assured that the ceasefire is still ongoing and is not over yet, following that the US hopes to reach a deal with Iran, however the United States is keeping a close watch over the situation.
Hegseth highlited that US President Trump will personally determine whether any specific developments or escalations constitute a violation of the existing ceasefire.
He also called on Iran to exercise restraint to ensure its actions do not violate the current ceasefire, while expressing hope that Tehran will choose to negotiate a new agreement to permanently abandon its nuclear ambitions.
Hegseth assured that the Pentagon is on standby for full military action against Iran while expressing hope that the situation does not escalate in that direction.
He concluded his statements noting that the Iranian regime is facing significant "embarrassment" as the United States successfully maintains its global blockade
