Pete Hegseth maintains that the fragile ceasefire with Iran remains in effect, despite Iranian forces attacking U.S. troops nearly a dozen times since hostilities paused. Iranian forces launched fresh strikes across the Middle East on Monday, following President Donald Trump’s announcement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz through ‘Project Freedom.’
Restarting Commerce in the Strait
President Trump directed U.S. Central Command to resume free commerce through the Strait of Hormuz under Project Freedom. Hegseth clarified, ‘President Trump has directed U.S. Central Command to restart the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz under the umbrella of Project Freedom. To be clear, this operation is separate and distinct from Operation Epic Fury.’
U.S. Central Command confirmed that the Navy will assist commercial ships by providing advice on avoiding mines and protection from Iranian threats. Hundreds of tankers have been stranded in the strait since the conflict began on February 28.
Iran’s Retaliatory Strikes
Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any vessel breaching its maritime rules faces forcible interception. Iran fired four missiles at a U.S.-backed ally in the region and destroyed a key oil port in response.
The United Arab Emirates triggered a missile alert Monday morning—the first since the ceasefire announcement last month. The UAE Defense Ministry reported intercepting three missiles, with a fourth landing in the sea. Officials stated that air defenses continue to counter incoming missiles and drones from Iran.
A major fire erupted at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zones after an Iranian drone strike. Sources confirm an Iranian drone hit the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker JV Innovation as it navigated the strait.
U.S. Counteractions and Trump’s Comments
U.S. warships and aircraft shielded several commercial vessels from Iranian assaults earlier Monday. In response to cruise missile fire, U.S. forces sank six small Iranian boats.
President Trump noted that U.S. forces downed seven small boats during the clash, with only a South Korean vessel sustaining damage. He posted on Truth Social, ‘Perhaps it’s time for South Korea to come and join the mission!’
These Iranian actions signal a resumption of hostilities in the Middle East, as Trump weighs additional strikes amid the ongoing tensions.
