Washington DC [US], May 5 : In a stern warning to Tehran, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth officially defined the parameters of Project Freedom on Tuesday, characterising 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 announced that President 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 that President Trump has directed US Central Command to restart the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz under the umbrella of Project Freedom. "American destroyers are on station, supported by hundreds of fighter jets, helicopters, drones, and surveillance aircraft providing 24/7 overwatch for peaceful commercial vessels. America is using its strength to lift up others. Iran is trying to subjugate the world."
The War Secretary said that while the United States wants it to remain a peaceful operation, it stands ready to defend its people and assets without hesitation. Hegseth was careful to distinguish this new mission from previous offensive engagements, though he maintained a combative tone regarding US readiness.
Describing the objectives of Project Freedom, he said Project Freedom is described as "defensive in nature, focused in scope, and temporary in duration." It is distinct 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 told the media.
The US has established what Hegseth called a "powerful red, white, and blue dome" over the Strait, utilising destroyers, hundreds of fighter jets, drones, and 24/7 surveillance to protect civilian 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 threat to Iran, he warned the country against any attacks on US troops or commercial shipping, stating that it would result in Iran facing "overwhelming and devastating American firepower."
Hegseth, in his remarks, urged the world to step up as Project Freedom continues.
"We're stabilising 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."
When pressed on the 60-day War Powers deadline and whether the administration would seek Congressional approval should the current ceasefire collapse, Hegseth pivoted to the President's unilateral authority.
He noted that while the "clock stops" during a ceasefire, the President retains the capability to restart major combat operations at any moment. "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," Hegseth warned, adding that the War Department is "postured and ready to go" if Iran fails to follow through on its end of the bargain.
Hegseth clarified that US forces do not need to enter Iranian waters or airspace to achieve their objectives. Hegseth further noted, "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. Iran is the clear aggressor, harassing civilian vessels, threatening mariners from every nation indiscriminately, and weaponising a critical choke point for its own financial benefit--at least trying to."
Calling Iranian actions "unacceptable", he added, "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."
The Secretary said that the mission was a humanitarian effort, calling the presence of American defences a "gift to the world." He accused Iran of weaponising a critical global choke point for financial gain and "trying to subjugate the world" through maritime harassment.