'Ceasefire Not Over': Pete Hegseth Says 'Project Freedom' Temporary Despite Hormuz Clashes

Last Updated:May 05, 2026, 18:28 IST

Hegseth said the US was “not looking for a fight” in the Gulf but warned that any Iranian attack on commercial shipping or US forces would be met with a strong response.

The ceasefire with Iran is “not over" despite recent clashes in the Strait of Hormuz, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday, adding that the US-led maritime mission “Project Freedom" is temporary and limited in scope.

Addressing a press briefing at the Pentagon, Hegseth said the United States was “not looking for a fight" in the Gulf but warned that any Iranian attack on commercial shipping or US forces would be met with a strong response.

“If you attack American troops or innocent commercial shipping, you will face overwhelming and devastating American firepower," he said.

The US Secretary of War stressed that no US forces would enter Iranian waters or airspace under the operation. He also said “Project Freedom" is “100% separate and distinct" from Operation Epic Fury.

According to Hegseth, the current mission is defensive and aimed solely at protecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. “Project Freedom is defensive in nature, focused in scope and temporary in duration, with one mission protecting innocent commercial shipping from Iranian aggression," he said.

News world 'Ceasefire Not Over': Pete Hegseth Says 'Project Freedom' Temporary Despite Hormuz Clashes

Read More