World ( The cow news digital ) The United States has issued a strong warning to Iran over any potential attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that such actions would trigger a forceful response, while reiterating that Washington does not seek a wider conflict.
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said during a press briefing that the United States remains committed to avoiding war with Iran, but made it clear that interference with international maritime trade would not be tolerated. He warned that if Iranian forces target commercial vessels in the strategically vital waterway, they would face the full strength of U.S. military power.
Hegseth rejected Tehran’s claims of control over the Strait of Hormuz, calling them unfounded. He stated that the United States views the continued disruption of shipping lanes as unacceptable and emphasized the importance of keeping global trade routes open and secure.
He also announced what he referred to as “Operation Project Freedom,” describing it as a mission aimed at ensuring unrestricted maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz. According to him, the operation is not intended for confrontation within Iranian territory or airspace, but solely to restore safe commercial navigation.
The U.S. defense official urged international partners, including Japan and South Korea, to support efforts aimed at securing the waterway, highlighting its importance for global energy and trade flows. He described alleged Iranian interference in shipping as a form of “international extortion” that must be countered collectively.
General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also addressed the press conference, stating that U.S. armed forces are prepared for large-scale operations if required. He claimed that Iran’s command and control infrastructure has already been significantly impacted, though he added that current Iranian actions have not reached the threshold that would justify a renewed full-scale war.
Caine confirmed that “Project Freedom” was launched under orders issued by former President Donald Trump, with the stated objective of ensuring the continued flow of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, through which a significant portion of global oil shipments pass. Any disruption in the region is widely viewed as a potential trigger for broader geopolitical instability.
While tensions continue to rise, U.S. officials insist their primary goal is deterrence and protection of international trade rather than escalation into direct conflict.
