Hegseth Signals Fragile Truce as U.S. Deploys ‘Project Freedom’ in Hormuz

Washington — Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday that a ceasefire between the United States and Iran remains in effect despite recent exchanges of fire in the Gulf, as Washington launched a temporary operation to safeguard commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

“The ceasefire is not over,” Hegseth told reporters during a briefing at the Pentagon, adding that U.S. forces would continue to defend maritime traffic while avoiding escalation. He said any determination of a ceasefire breach would rest with President Donald Trump.

The comments came as tensions mounted following reported exchanges of fire between U.S. and Iranian forces, underscoring the fragility of a truce reached after hostilities erupted earlier this year. The confrontation has centered on control and access to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for global energy shipments.

Trump on Monday announced the launch of “Project Freedom,” a military operation aimed at protecting commercial vessels transiting the waterway. Hegseth described the initiative as “defensive in nature, focused in scope and temporary in duration,” with the sole objective of shielding shipping from what he termed Iranian aggression.

“Iran does not control the strait,” Hegseth said, adding that U.S. forces would not need to enter Iranian territorial waters or airspace to carry out the mission. “We’re not looking for a fight.”Iran had effectively disrupted traffic through the strait after the conflict began on February 28, following the involvement of U.S. and Israeli forces, raising concerns over global supply chains and energy markets.

Hegseth cautioned Tehran to act prudently, reiterating Washington’s position that it seeks to prevent escalation while maintaining freedom of navigation through one of the world’s most strategically sensitive maritime corridors.