Eagle Intelligence Reports
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz, that Project Freedom is temporary, and that the world must intervene. He added, “The ceasefire with Iran is holding, and we are closely monitoring the situation.”
During a press briefing on Tuesday, he stated that Project Freedom aims to protect commercial vessels from Iranian aggression, as Iran harasses ships, fires on them, and attempts to impose fees.
He continued, “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 added, “Iran harasses civilian vessels, threatens sailors, and exploits a vital chokepoint for its own financial gain.”
He pointed out that international waters belong to all nations and are not the property of Iran to collect tolls from. He affirmed that Project Freedom is ongoing and that maritime trade will continue.
He stressed that Project Freedom is separate from the military operation against Iran, and that some initial disruptions were anticipated. He also confirmed that the ceasefire with Iran has not ended. He urged Iran to exercise caution in its actions to ensure that things remain below the threshold of violating the ceasefire, adding, “We hope it will choose to reach an agreement under which it abandons its nuclear ambitions.”
He added, “The Pentagon is fully prepared to act against Iran, and we hope things do not go in that direction.”
For his part, the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, said, “Iran has violated the law of the sea, and we have recorded indiscriminate firing from the Iranian side. It is using the global supply chain as a weapon.”
He added, “For the past seven weeks, Iran has repeatedly threatened shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, seeking to disrupt traffic and harm the global economy.”
He noted that Iran has fired on commercial vessels nine times since the ceasefire was announced, adding, “We remain ready to resume fighting against Iran should the order be given.”
He confirmed that Trump ordered the launch of Project Freedom to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
He said, “All Iranian attacks so far have been below the level that would prompt us to resume large-scale combat operations, and 22,500 mariners embarked on more than 1,550 commercial vessels trapped in the Arabian Gulf, unable to transit.” (EIR)