Washington, May 5 (SANA) US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the United States operation guiding vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is a “temporary solution” following recent exchanges of fire with Iran.
Speaking at the Pentagon alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, Hegseth said US forces secured the waterway using helicopters and naval vessels to ensure safe transit under an ongoing mission known as “Project Freedom,” aimed at maintaining maritime trade flows. He stressed the operation is separate from “Epic Fury,” launched on Feb. 28.
Hegseth accused Iran of violating maritime law by firing indiscriminately, harassing civilian vessels and threatening navigation, saying such actions cannot be allowed to disrupt international shipping routes.
Caine said the operation involves 15,000 US troops, including guided-missile destroyers and other warships, supported by around 100 combat aircraft and drones, with forces ready to respond to threats or resume fighting if ordered.
US officials said two Navy destroyers transited the strait on Monday while avoiding Iranian drones and missiles, and that two US-flagged commercial vessels crossed under the operation. US Central Command (CENTCOM) also reported destroying six Iranian boats that attempted to obstruct shipping.
The developments come as a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, extended last month, remains under strain amid ongoing negotiations toward a longer-term agreement.
M.Q.R
