Hegseth: We're not seeking confrontation in Strait of Hormuz

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed that the United States seeks to protect maritime navigation from Iranian aggression, adding that the operation, dubbed "Project Freedom," in the Strait of Hormuz is temporary.

5 May, 2026 21:20

Newsdesk

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated today at a press conference that the United States "is not seeking confrontation" in the Strait of Hormuz, but will respond "devastatingly" to any Iranian attack targeting shipping.

Hegseth told reporters, "We are not seeking confrontation, but Iran cannot be allowed to prevent non-state actors and their goods from transiting an international waterway."

Addressing the Iranians, he added, "If you attack US forces or civilian commercial vessels, you will face overwhelming and devastating US firepower."

He also noted that the ceasefire with Iran was not yet over, but that Tehran must be cautious in its actions.

As for resuming military operations, Hegseth said that the decision to resume fighting against Iran rested with US President Donald Trump.

ANHA