- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the US is "not looking for a fight" in the Strait of Hormuz but threatened "overwhelming force" against Iran if it attacks commercial ships.
- Hegseth labeled Iran the "clear aggressor" following Monday's reported attacks in the waterway, which included explosions, fires, and the US destroying six Iranian military boats.
- Project Freedom, announced by Donald Trump, aims to ensure safe passage for ships through the Strait, though Hegseth clarified it is a temporary measure to be handed back to international control.
- Gen. Dan Caine reported 22,500 mariners are currently stuck in the Gulf, noting Iran has fired at commercial vessels nine times and seized two ships since a recent ceasefire. Caine affirmed that US forces, including 15,000 service members and continuous air surveillance, are prepared to resume major combat operations against Iran if necessary to protect commercial shipping.
- Responding to reporters, Hegseth clarified that the “ceasefire is not over,” while insisting the US is “defending,” and urges Iran to keep clashes under the threshold for re-escalation.
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