Washington, DC [US], May 5 (ANI): In a stern warning to Tehran, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Tuesday outlined the parameters of Project Freedom, characterizing the mission as a temporary but “locked and loaded” defensive measure to end Iranian interference in global shipping.
Speaking from the Pentagon alongside Gen. Dan Caine, Hegseth said President Donald Trump has directed US Central Command to ensure the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. The mission aims to dismantle what the administration describes as an “illegal stranglehold” and an extortionist tolling system imposed by Iran on international waters.
Hegseth said American destroyers are on station, supported by hundreds of fighter jets, helicopters, drones, and surveillance aircraft providing round-the-clock overwatch for commercial vessels. “America is using its strength to lift up others. Iran is trying to subjugate the world,” he said.
The secretary emphasized that while the United States prefers a peaceful operation, it remains prepared to defend its personnel and assets without hesitation. He distinguished the mission from previous offensive engagements while maintaining a firm stance on US readiness.
Describing the objectives, Hegseth said Project Freedom is “defensive in nature, focused in scope, and temporary in duration,” and separate from the broader Operation Epic Fury. “To be clear, this operation is separate and distinct from Operation Epic Fury. 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.
The US has established what Hegseth described as a “powerful red, white, and blue dome” over the Strait, utilizing destroyers, fighter jets, drones, and continuous surveillance to protect vessels from being “taxed, tolled, or controlled” by Iranian forces.
“We prefer this to be a peaceful operation, but are locked and loaded to defend our people, our ships, our aircraft, and this mission without hesitation. To Iran: let innocent ships pass freely. These international waters belong to all nations, not to Iran to tax, toll, or control,” he said.
In a strongly worded warning, Hegseth said any attack on US troops or commercial shipping would result in “overwhelming and devastating American firepower.”
He also called on the international community to assume greater responsibility as the mission progresses. “We’re stabilizing the situation so commerce can flow again, but we expect the world to step up. At the appropriate time, and soon, we will hand responsibility back to you,” he said.
Addressing questions on the 60-day War Powers deadline and potential congressional approval if the ceasefire collapses, Hegseth pointed to the president’s authority. He noted that while the “clock stops” during a ceasefire, the president retains the capability to restart major combat operations if necessary. “The president retains the opportunity and the capability—more capabilities than we had at the start of this—to restart major combat operations if necessary,” he said, adding that the War Department is “postured and ready to go.”
Hegseth also clarified that US forces do not need to enter Iranian waters or airspace to achieve their objectives. “American forces won’t need to enter Iranian waters or airspace. It’s not necessary. We’re not looking for a fight, but Iran also cannot be allowed to block innocent countries and their goods from an international waterway,” he said.
Calling Iranian actions “unacceptable,” he accused Tehran of harassing civilian vessels and attempting to impose a tolling system. “For too long, Iran has been harassing ships, shooting at civilian tankers from all nations, and trying to impose a tolling system. Iran’s plan, a form of international extortion, is unacceptable. That ends with Project Freedom. Two US commercial ships, along with American destroyers, have already safely transited the Strait, showing the lane is clear,” he said.
Hegseth described the mission as a humanitarian effort, calling the presence of American defenses a “gift to the world,” while accusing Iran of weaponizing a critical global chokepoint for financial gain. (ANI)
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