US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the truce between the US and Iran “has not ended”, amid Washington’s threats to Tehran concerning attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Hegseth, along with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Kane, discussed a “defensive” operation that would involve an attack on Iranian forces if shipping were threatened. The forces deployed for this operation were described as “overwhelming” and lethal.
At the same time, the extent of Washington’s commitment in the Strait of Hormuz remains unclear. Hegseth did not answer questions about whether the US commitment would include escorting vessels through the strait. It also remains unclear what information the US military is providing to shipping company executives regarding initiating transits, a detail critical to their decision-making.
Market Reaction and US Actions
Despite US statements, their actions appear to have neither instilled sufficient confidence for vessels to navigate this “test” amid Iranian threats nor secured adequate insurance coverage. Previously, Hegseth had stated that US military and two American commercial vessels had passed through the strait, “showing that the way is clear”. US Central Command (Centcom) chief Admiral Brad Cooper noted a day earlier that the US was “setting an example” for commercial shipping to pass through.
Hegseth’s press conference, which was typically hawkish, provided few significant details, focusing instead on aggressive rhetoric.
Source: Unknown
