- US ensures safe passage for ships, avoids direct conflict.
- Project Freedom protects vital oil routes, operating defensively.
Amid a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, Washington has said it is taking steps to protect commercial shipping while avoiding escalation. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said, “We do not want a fight. Iran claims control over the strait, but that is not the case,” he said, describing Iran as the primary aggressor in the situation.
He also said that the US does not seek a broader or direct conflict but warned that any attempt by Iran to disrupt “Project Freedom” would be met with military force.
What is ‘Project Freedom’?
Hegseth said “Project Freedom” is a naval mission launched during the tenure of Donald Trump. Its objective is to ensure safe passage for vessels through one of the world’s busiest oil shipping routes. He added that the operation is limited in scope and does not require US forces to enter Iranian airspace or territorial waters.
‘Defensive And Temporary Mission’
The Pentagon chief described “Project Freedom” as a purely defensive and time-bound operation aimed at protecting commercial vessels from potential threats. He said two US ships have already passed safely through the route under this mission, though some vessels were forced to turn back due to restrictions at Iranian ports.
Separate From Ceasefire
Hegseth clarified that the operation does not signal the end of the ongoing ceasefire between the US and Iran. “The ceasefire remains in place. This is a separate and independent mission,” he said, urging Iran to act with restraint.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine alleged that Iran has carried out multiple attacks on commercial vessels and US forces in recent weeks. He accused Tehran of attempting to disrupt global supply chains and exert economic pressure.
Incidents Since Ceasefire
According to US officials, Iran has fired at commercial ships nine times and seized two container vessels since the ceasefire. More than ten attacks on US forces have also been reported. The military, however, described these as “low-level provocations”, adding that any decision on a wider conflict would rest with political leadership.
