WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new US naval mission trying to get commercial ships out of the Strait of Hormuz is testing the ceasefire agreement with Iran. The US maintains the ceasefire is still in place, despite the recent attacks between the pair.
In a press briefing with Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of Defense, he touted their new plan “Project Freedom” in which it aims to escort ships out of the Strait.
“As a direct gift from the United States to the world, we have established a powerful red, white and blue dome over the strait,” said the Secretary. “American destroyers are on stations supported by hundreds of fighter jets, helicopters, drones, and surveillance aircraft, providing 24/7 overwatch for peaceful commercial vessels, except Iran’s, of course, which is why our ironclad blockade remains in full effect as well.”
US Central Command shared on Monday two US flagged merchant vessels were able to pass through the Strait. The Strait has been essentially closed for commercial ships to pass through, which has escalated global energy shortages… And contributing to the rise in gas prices. Both Iran and the US have made claims they are the one in control of the Strait.
With recent fighting between the US and Iran, officials were pressed on whether the ceasefire is still in place.
“No, the ceasefire is not over,” said the Secretary. “We expected there would be some churn at the beginning which happened and we said we would defend and defend aggressively and we absolutely have.”
The President did not identify what would constitute a violation of the ceasefire.
“Well, you’ll find out because I’ll let you know,” said the President. “They know what to do and they know what to do and they know what not to do.”
According to Iranian state media, they said a senior commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the US has failed to achieve its objectives regarding the Strait despite “mobilizing all of their capabilities”. They report the IRGC official emphasized that Trump “is not capable of changing the current situation”.
“I can say this, Iran wants to make a deal,” the President told reporters on Tuesday.
