U.S. Defense ​Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday ‌(May 5, 2026) that a U.S. operation ​to protect commercial ships ⁠from Iran in the Strait of Hormuz is temporary and Washington ‌is not looking for a fight.

“Project Freedom ‌is defensive in nature, ‌focused ⁠in scope and temporary in ⁠duration, with one mission, protecting innocent commercial shipping from Iranian aggression. ​American forces won’t need ‌to enter Iranian waters or airspace. It’s not necessary. We’re not looking for ‌a fight.” Mr. Hegseth said ​during a briefing.