US Conducts Defensive Operations in Strait of Hormuz During Iranian Attacks

The United States has concluded its offensive military operations against Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and transitioned to a defensive initiative called Project Freedom aimed at protecting commercial shipping. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the shift, emphasizing that resuming combat is not the goal but could occur if Iran continues its actions.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described Project Freedom as temporary and defensive, while maintaining an ironclad blockade on Iran. Iranian forces have carried out more than 10 attacks on U.S. forces since the ceasefire began on April 7, according to Gen.

Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. These include firing at commercial vessels nine times and seizing two container ships.

Ten civilian sailors have died due to the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, Rubio stated. Iran has announced a new permit system for the strait under a Persian Gulf Strait Authority, accusing Gulf states of aiding U.S. and Israeli attacks while remaining open to talks.

The ceasefire remains in effect, but tensions persist. The U.S. responded by sending destroyers into the strait as part of Project Freedom, prompting Iranian missile and drone attacks, as detailed in accounts from the region. Rubio expressed hope that European nations would join efforts to ensure safe passage, adding that Iran is holding the whole world hostage with its actions in the waterway.

President Trump outlined a plan for oil tankers to navigate a narrow shipping lane through the strait to circumvent Iranian restrictions. The U.S. aims to stabilize the situation and expects international involvement, Hegseth said. Trump emphasized a reluctance to escalate violence, stating that the U.S. does not want to kill people.

However, officials warned that Iran must pay a price for its actions to date. Iran's responses have included missile strikes on commercial targets despite the truce.

The conflict has drawn international attention, with calls for broader participation in securing the strait. Disruptions through the vital waterway, which handles a significant portion of global oil trade, continue to affect shipping flows. U.S. officials have rejected Iranian claims and media reports of strikes on American vessels.

Iranian state media accused the U.S. of ignoring warnings, but American statements countered that no U.S. ships were hit. Two U.S.-flagged merchant vessels transited the strait without incident on the same morning as some reported attacks.

“Since the ceasefire was announced, Iran has fired at commercial vessels nine times and seized two container ships.”

Project Freedom represents a high-risk, high-reward approach to unblocking the strait, as described in analyses of Trump's strategy. While offensive operations under Operation Epic Fury have ended, the focus now is on creating a safe framework for passage. Officials reiterated that the U.S. is not seeking broader conflict but will respond forcefully to threats against shipping.