Hegseth says Iran ceasefire is not over as US moves to secure Strait of Hormuz under ‘Project Freedom’

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday (5 May) that the ceasefire with ‌Iran was not over despite renewed exchanges of fire in the Strait of Hormuz, where a new naval operation is underway to secure commercial shipping.

Speaking at the Pentagon, Hegseth said President Donald Trump had directed US Central Command to restart the flow of commerce under “Project Freedom”, a mission he described as defensive and temporary.

Hegseth said: “Iran is the clear aggressor, harassing civilian vessels… weaponising a critical choke point,” adding that US forces were “locked and loaded” to protect shipping, though “not looking for a fight”.

He emphasised: “No, the ceasefire is not over,” but warned Washington would respond if escalation crossed a threshold.

Hegseth also said the operation would not be permanent, noting that Washington expects other countries to “step up” in securing the key maritime route.

ℹ️ US Department of War, Reuters

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U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth holds a briefing on the Iran war, with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine (not pictured), at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 5, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
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Hegseth says Iran ceasefire is not over as US moves to secure Strait of Hormuz under ‘Project Freedom’
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