US Escorts Merchant Ships Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing Ceasefire

The United States conducted an operation on Monday to escort two American-flagged merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, according to US Central Command statements reported in multiple outlets. Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine described the effort, named Project Freedom, as involving guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, and 15,000 service members.

US Central Command reported that Iranian forces launched missiles, drones, and small boats toward ships under US protection, and US helicopters responded by sinking six small boats. Iran's state TV, as cited in source reports, stated that two small civilian cargo boats were hit, resulting in five civilian deaths.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated at a Pentagon briefing that "the ceasefire is not over" despite these incidents, describing the mission as temporary and aimed at assisting mariners on vessels stuck in the Persian Gulf. According to Hegseth's remarks in sources including NBC News and The Washington Post, the operation addresses disruptions where more than 22,500 mariners are on over 1,550 vessels unable to transit.

Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine told reporters, as reported in Hot Air and other outlets, that Iran's actions, including firing at commercial vessels nine times, seizing two container ships, and attacking US forces more than 10 times, are "below the threshold" for restarting major combat operations.

This assessment supports the administration's position that the ceasefire, in place for nearly a month, remains intact, without requiring a formal update to Congress under the War Powers Resolution. Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf posted on X, as noted in source coverage, that "a new equation is taking shape" and Tehran has yet to fully respond to Project Freedom.

" The US has maintained a naval blockade on Iranian ports since April 13, intercepting at least six ships attempting to run the blockade, according to Fox News. Hegseth said in a Bloomberg report that the US will maintain its "ironclad" blockade of Iranian ports.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned Iranian attacks on the UAE, where air defenses engaged 15 missiles and four drones, wounding three Indian nationals at an oil facility, and expressed solidarity with the UAE while emphasizing safe shipping.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia issued similar condemnations, per source reports. President Trump stated he would keep the blockade until Iran agrees to a nuclear deal, expressing skepticism about Iran's proposal, which includes lifting US sanctions, ending the blockade, withdrawing forces, and ceasing hostilities including Israel's operations in Lebanon.

Negotiations continue via messages through Pakistan, with limited progress noted in sources.

The strait disruptions have increased global oil and gas prices, with US national average gas prices at $4.48 per gallon, according to Semafor. The International Energy Agency stated on X that "disruptions to shipping flows through the Strait of Hormuz continue to have major implications" for Europe and Asia reliant on Persian Gulf supplies.

The US blockade has deprived Iran of oil revenue, and US officials indicated in sources like The Washington Post that the pressure aims to secure concessions on Iran's nuclear program. Hegseth stated that Iran "retains the will to develop a bomb" despite setbacks from strikes.

Diamondback Energy announced on X via JavierBlas that it will bring "incremental barrels to market immediately" in response to prices exceeding $80 per barrel.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Rome and Vatican City this week to discuss Middle East tensions with Pope Leo XIV and Italian officials, following President Trump's criticism of the pope. Trump said in an interview with Hugh Hewitt, as quoted in sources: "The pope would rather talk about the fact that it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.

And I don’t think that’s very good. " The Vatican confirmed the meeting focuses on mutual interests in the Middle East and Western Hemisphere. No publicly released evidence has documented claims that the pope supports Iran having nuclear weapons, based on available source statements.

" The US has stated it is "not looking for a fight" over the strait but would respond "devastatingly" to any Iranian attack on shipping, per AFP and Al-Monitor. " South Korea indicated it could join the operation after a South Korean cargo ship was set ablaze in the strait, according to The Independent.

French President Emmanuel Macron said he will speak with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, per AJEnglish. The administration has not commented on whether it will seek congressional authorization to legalize the Iran war beyond the 60-day War Powers Resolution period, as noted in DefenseOne.