Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday insisted that Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz, despite Tehran's ongoing disruption of shipping through the key waterway. During a Pentagon press briefing, Hegseth labeled Iran's influence over the strait as a form of international extortion that is unacceptable, highlighting U.S. efforts to reopen it under a new initiative called Project Freedom.
Project Freedom Details
Under Project Freedom, the United States provides commercial ships with navigation information for safe passage while maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports. Hegseth reported that two U.S. commercial ships, accompanied by American destroyers, have already safely transited the strait, demonstrating that the lane is clear. He claimed the Iranians are embarrassed by this fact, stating, They said they control the strait. They do not. He added that hundreds of ships from around the world are lining up to transit.
Traffic Reduction and Economic Impact
Despite these assertions, traffic through the strait remains a fraction of pre-conflict levels. Before U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran in February, approximately 130 ships crossed daily, carrying one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas. Iran's effective closure has sent gas prices soaring amid uncertainty over a fragile truce.
Hegseth maintained that the ceasefire is not over, despite recent exchanges of attacks on Monday. He noted that President Trump will decide whether any escalation violates the ceasefire, urging Iran to act prudently to keep tensions below that threshold. The ceasefire currently holds, he said, but the U.S. is watching closely.
Iran's Rejection
Iran has rejected U.S. claims, with state broadcaster asserting that Tehran's control over the strait has intensified, undermining Project Freedom. According to reports, commercial ships are seeking Iran's approval to cross. Hegseth described the U.S. effort as a direct gift to the world, adding that America expects allies to eventually take over responsibility. As I've said before, the world needs this waterway a lot more than we do, he stated, emphasizing that the U.S. will hand responsibility back to the international community soon.
Transit through the strait was unrestricted before Trump's decision to go to war against Iran.
